How to Avoid Scams During Prime Day and Father’s Day Sales
The shopping calendar is packed right now. Father’s Day has just passed, and Amazon’s Prime Day is right around the corner. Retailers are pushing deals, and consumers are ready to spend. According to a recent report from WRAL, record spending is expected during these events. That also means scammers are paying close attention.
If you’re planning to take advantage of sales, it helps to know the difference between a genuine discount and a trap. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your money and personal information safe.
What Happened
WRAL’s June 20, 2026 article highlighted that Father’s Day and Prime Day are projected to generate record spending. The same piece warned that scam activity tends to spike alongside shopping surges. Phishing emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true offers are common tactics criminals use to take advantage of bargain hunters.
While the article didn’t name specific scams in detail, it echoed warnings that consumer protection agencies and cybersecurity experts have been issuing for years: when more people shop online, more scams succeed.
Why It Matters
For the average shopper, the risk isn’t just losing money on a fake product. Scammers can also steal payment card details, login credentials, or enough personal information to commit identity theft. A single click on a malicious link could compromise your device or accounts.
The pressure of a limited-time deal makes people act faster and think slower. Scammers know this and design their messages to look urgent and official—often mimicking Amazon, major retailers, or payment services.
What Readers Can Do
You don’t need to be a security expert to shop safely. A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your chances of being scammed.
1. Verify the deal, not just the price
If an offer seems unusually cheap, pause before clicking. Scammers often create fake websites that look nearly identical to Amazon or other retailers. Check the URL carefully—look for misspellings, odd characters, or a different domain suffix. Instead of clicking a link in an email or text, type the retailer’s address directly into your browser or use their official app.
2. Watch for phishing emails and texts
Common scams include messages claiming you’ve won a gift card, need to confirm an order, or must update your payment method to avoid cancellation. These messages often contain links that lead to fake login pages. Legitimate retailers rarely ask for sensitive information via email or text. If you’re unsure, go directly to the retailer’s website and check your account or contact customer support.
3. Use secure payment methods
Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Many card issuers allow you to create virtual card numbers for online purchases, adding another layer of security. Avoid wire transfers, gift card payments, or cash apps when buying from unfamiliar sellers. These methods are nearly impossible to reverse if something goes wrong.
4. Enable two-factor authentication
Many retailers and payment services now offer two-factor authentication. Turning it on adds a step—usually a code sent to your phone—before someone can log in to your account. It’s not foolproof, but it makes it much harder for scammers to access your account even if they steal your password.
5. Track your orders and know return policies
After purchasing, save confirmation emails and keep an eye on delivery status. If a seller doesn’t provide tracking information or customer support contact, that’s a red flag. Familiarize yourself with the retailer’s return and refund policy before you buy. Scammers often have vague or no return process.
6. Report suspicious activity
If you encounter a scam—whether you fell for it or not—report it. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accepts reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also alert the retailer whose name is being used. Reporting helps authorities track patterns and warn others.
Sources
- WRAL. “Father’s Day, Prime Day to bring record spending. Here’s how to shop smart, and avoid scams.” June 20, 2026.
- Federal Trade Commission. “How to Avoid Scams.” ftc.gov/scams.
- Amazon. “Prime Day Safety Tips.” (General best practices; specific URL not included in source material.)
No single precaution is guaranteed to stop every scam, but using a combination of these steps will put you well ahead of most criminals. Shop smart, take your time, and remember: if a deal feels too perfect, it probably isn’t real.