How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Amazon Prime Day – BBB Tips

Major sales events like Amazon Prime Day bring steep discounts—and an uptick in fraud. The Better Business Bureau has issued its annual warning ahead of this year’s event, urging shoppers to stay alert for phishing emails, fake websites, and sellers who disappear after taking payment.

What happened

The BBB’s warning, covered by local outlets including WBKO, highlights that scammers actively exploit the shopping frenzy. During Prime Day, consumers receive more promotional emails than usual, making it easier for fake messages mimicking Amazon or other retailers to slip through. Fraudsters also set up look‑alike websites with URLs that differ by a single character, and they flood social media with ads for deals that are too good to be true.

Why it matters

Prime Day is one of the highest‑traffic shopping periods of the year. Scammers capitalise on the combination of urgency and trust: shoppers who are in a hurry to grab a limited‑time deal may skip usual security checks. According to the BBB, victims often lose money directly through stolen payment details or by receiving counterfeit goods—or nothing at all. Beyond financial loss, there is also the risk of identity theft when personal information is entered into a fraudulent site.

Common scams to watch for

  • Phishing emails – Messages that appear to come from Amazon, often with subject lines like “Your Prime Day receipt” or “Update your payment method.” Real Amazon emails will never ask for sensitive information via a link. Hover over any link before clicking to see the actual destination.
  • Fake websites – Domains that look like amazon.com but have slight misspellings or extra words (e.g., amazon-prime-deals.net). Always type the address yourself or use the official app.
  • Social media ads – Promoted posts on platforms like Facebook or Instagram that lead to unfamiliar storefronts. Many of these sellers have no track record and may delete their pages after collecting orders.
  • Counterfeit goods – “Deals” on luxury items, electronics, or popular brands that are priced far below market value. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Red flags to recognise

  • High pressure – Countdown timers or messages saying “only 3 items left at this price” are common tactics to make you act without thinking.
  • Unusual payment methods – Requests for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards are almost always scams. Credit cards offer the strongest consumer protections.
  • Poor website quality – Spelling errors, broken links, or missing contact information are signs of a hastily built scam site.
  • New or no reviews – A seller with zero reviews or reviews that read like generic praise should raise suspicion. Legitimate sellers on Amazon have a history.

What you can do to shop safely

  1. Use the official Amazon app or type the URL directly. Bookmark the real site so you never have to click a promotional link.
  2. Check the seller’s details. On Amazon, view the seller’s profile and look at their rating, number of reviews, and how long they have been active. Avoid sellers with recent negative feedback or vague store names.
  3. Read product reviews critically. Automated reviews often repeat phrases or have unnatural grammar. Use tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta for a second opinion, though these are not foolproof.
  4. Pay with a credit card. Credit cards typically allow chargebacks if you do not receive the item or if it is counterfeit. Debit cards and payment apps offer less protection.
  5. Verify emails before acting. If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Amazon, forward it to [email protected] (or to the BBB’s Scam Tracker) and delete it. Do not click any links.

What to do if you get scammed

If you think you have fallen for a scam, act quickly:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge and request a stop payment.
  • Change your passwords for the Amazon account and any other site where you used the same credentials.
  • Report the scam to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker) and to the Federal Trade Commission (reportfraud.ftc.gov). This helps warn others.
  • Monitor your accounts for unusual activity over the following weeks.

Stay vigilant, not paranoid

Online scams are a predictable part of major shopping events, but a few cautious habits can keep your money and personal data safe. The BBB’s advice is straightforward: slow down, verify before you buy, and trust your gut when a deal looks off.

Sources: BBB Scam Tracker; WBKO report on BBB warning; Amazon’s official security page.