How to avoid online shopping scams this Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning on June 22, 2026, noting that fraudsters ramp up their efforts during high-volume sales events. If you plan to shop Prime Day deals, it pays to know what to watch for before you click “buy.”

What happened

The BBB published an alert advising consumers to be on guard against scams that commonly appear around major shopping holidays. According to the organization, reports of phishing emails, fake websites, and counterfeit third-party sellers tend to spike when shoppers are hunting for bargains. While the warning specifically cited Amazon Prime Day, the advice applies to any online sales event.

Why it matters

Scammers exploit the sense of urgency that Prime Day creates. Limited-time offers, deep discounts, and a flood of promotional emails make it easier for fraudulent messages to blend in with legitimate marketing. A single click on a fake link or a purchase from an untrustworthy seller can lead to stolen payment information, lost money, or receiving counterfeit goods. For many people, the hassle of recovering from a scam can outweigh the savings of a good deal.

What readers can do

Recognize the common scams first

  • Phishing emails. You might receive an email that looks like it’s from Amazon, asking you to confirm an account update, track a suspicious order, or claim an exclusive deal. These messages often contain links that lead to fake login pages designed to steal your password.
  • Fake websites. Scammers set up sites that mimic Amazon’s checkout page or offer “special” deals that redirect to fraudulent stores. The URL may look similar but contains subtle misspellings or extra characters.
  • Counterfeit goods and too-good-to-be-true deals. Unusually low prices on popular electronics, designer goods, or high-demand items are a red flag. Third-party sellers with few reviews or recent account creation may be peddling fakes.
  • Social media ads. Fraudulent posts on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can drive traffic to scam websites that collect your payment information without delivering anything.

Red flags to watch for before you click or buy

  • The sender’s email address doesn’t match the official domain (e.g., @amaz0n.co instead of @amazon.com).
  • The message contains spelling errors, generic greetings like “Dear Customer,” or a sense of urgency (“Your account will be suspended if you don’t click now”).
  • The deal requires you to pay using unusual methods: wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • The seller has no history, few product reviews, or reviews that seem copy-pasted and overly positive.

Tips for secure shopping

  • Bookmark Amazon’s official URL (amazon.com) and always go there directly instead of clicking links in emails or ads.
  • Use the Amazon app for purchases — it reduces the chance of landing on a fake site.
  • Check the seller’s ratings and read recent reviews, especially for third-party items. Look for patterns: a bunch of reviews posted in a short period can indicate fake feedback.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account to protect against unauthorized access.
  • Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card or direct bank transfer. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges.

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

If you clicked a suspicious link or made a purchase from an untrustworthy seller, act quickly:

  • Change your Amazon password and revoke access to any unknown devices in your account settings.
  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer to report the transaction and request a chargeback if appropriate.
  • Report the incident to Amazon via their “Report a suspicious email or website” page.
  • File a complaint with the BBB and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The BBB also lets you check if a business has a history of complaints.

Sources

The Better Business Bureau published its warning concerning Prime Day scams on June 22, 2026. For more detail, visit bbb.org.