How to Avoid Scams During Father’s Day and Prime Day Shopping

Record spending is expected this Father’s Day and Prime Day, according to recent reports. While that means deals worth checking out, it also means scammers are working extra hours. Phishing emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true offers flourish during high-volume shopping events. If you’re planning to shop this week, a few simple precautions can help you avoid losing money or personal data.

What’s Happening

A recent article from WRAL notes that consumer spending is projected to hit new highs for Father’s Day and Amazon’s Prime Day. Scammers know this. They send out emails that look like official Prime Day promotions, set up copycat websites that mimic major retailers, and push deals that are clearly unrealistic — often demanding payment via gift cards or wire transfers. Gift card scams in particular spike around holidays, where a caller or email insists you pay a “fee” using a store card.

Why It Matters

Getting scammed isn’t just about losing money on a single purchase. Many shopping scams collect your credit card details, address, and even passwords. That information can be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web. And because these scams often appear during a short window of intense promotions, it’s easy to click first and think later. The consequences can last well after the sales end.

What You Can Do

Here are practical steps you can take right now, before and during your shopping:

Stick to official websites and apps.
Always open a browser and type the retailer’s address yourself, or use the official app. Avoid clicking links in emails, social media ads, or text messages — even if they look like they come from a legitimate store. If an email claims to offer “exclusive early access” to Prime Day, go directly to Amazon’s site or app and check under your account notifications.

Scrutinize URLs and sellers.
If you click a link by accident, check the URL carefully. Look for misspellings like “amaz0n.com” or extra words like “amazon-deals.com.” On third-party marketplaces, check seller ratings and how long they’ve been active. A seller with zero reviews and a brand-new account offering an expensive grill for 80% off is almost certainly a scam.

Pay with a credit card or a trusted digital wallet.
Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards, and services like PayPal or Apple Pay add an extra layer. Avoid paying by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card — those methods are nearly impossible to reverse. If a seller insists on one of those, stop the transaction.

Don’t fall for artificial urgency.
Scammers often say “only 3 left” or “offer expires in 10 minutes” to pressure you into a quick decision. Real retailers also use urgency, but a legitimate deal will still be available for a few more minutes. Take the time to verify the site and the offer.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts.
If you use an Amazon account or another retailer account, turn on 2FA in your security settings. This makes it much harder for someone to hijack your account even if they get your password.

Keep digital copies of receipts and order confirmations.
Screenshot order pages and confirmation emails. If something goes wrong — the item never arrives, or you’re charged more than expected — you’ll need that documentation when contacting your bank or the retailer.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen for a scam:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge and freeze the card.
  • Change the password on any account you used to make the purchase.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unusual activity over the next few months.

Sources

The information in this article draws from the WRAL report “Father’s Day, Prime Day to bring record spending. Here’s how to shop smart, and avoid scams,” published June 20, 2026. Additional context about common fraud patterns during shopping events comes from consumer protection agencies and cybersecurity advisories.