Shopping Smart This Father’s Day and Prime Day: A Practical Guide to Avoiding Scams

Retailers expect record spending this year as Prime Day and Father’s Day overlap, with analysts predicting consumers will spend more than ever on gifts and deals. That same surge, however, draws scammers who see the shopping frenzy as an opportunity to steal money and personal information. Knowing what to look for and how to protect yourself can make the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake.

What happened

A recent report by WRAL highlights the projected spending increases for Prime Day and Father’s Day, noting that both events are prime targets for fraudsters. The article draws on data from retail analysts and consumer protection experts, who warn that phishing emails, fake websites, and counterfeit goods spike during these periods. Scammers often send fake order confirmations or offer deals that seem too good to be true, hoping to trick shoppers into clicking malicious links or sharing payment details.

Why it matters

When you’re busy hunting for discounts, it’s easy to overlook warning signs. Many scams rely on urgency—messages that say “your account has been charged” or “limited-time offer expires in an hour.” Clicking a fraudulent link can lead to identity theft, unauthorized charges, or malware on your device. Gift card scams are also common, where a “seller” asks for payment in gift cards rather than through a secure platform. Losing money is bad enough, but recovering from identity theft can take months.

What readers can do

Stick to official marketplaces when possible. Buy directly from Amazon, major retailers, or well-known brands. If you see a deal on social media or in an email, visit the store’s website by typing the address into your browser rather than clicking a link.

Check the seller’s reputation. Third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon or eBay are common. Look at their rating, number of reviews, and how long they’ve been active. A seller with few reviews or a recent account may be a red flag.

Examine URLs closely. Fake websites often mimic real ones but change a letter or use a different domain extension (e.g., “amzon.com” or “bestbuy-deals.shop”). If the URL looks odd, do not enter any personal or payment information.

Use a credit card for purchases. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps. If a scam occurs, you can dispute the charge and usually get your money back. Avoid wiring money or using gift cards as payment—legitimate businesses rarely ask for those.

Be skeptical of unsolicited emails and texts. Scammers send fake order confirmations, account alerts, or “exclusive” offers. Do not click links or download attachments. Instead, log into your account directly through the official website or app to verify any claim.

Watch for too-good-to-be-true pricing. A brand-new gaming console for 80% off is almost certainly a scam. If the price is far below what other sellers are charging, treat it with suspicion.

Enable purchase notifications. Set up alerts with your bank or credit card for transactions over a certain amount. This way you’ll know quickly if an unauthorized charge appears.

Know the return policy. Before you buy, check the return window and whether the seller is responsible for return shipping. Scammers often have restrictive or nonexistent return policies.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

Act fast: contact your bank or credit card issuer to report the fraudulent charge and request a reversal. Change the passwords for any accounts that may be compromised. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For identity theft concerns, visit IdentityTheft.gov for step-by-step recovery guidance.

Sources

  • WRAL News report: “Father’s Day, Prime Day to bring record spending. Here’s how to shop smart, and avoid scams” (published June 19, 2026)
  • Federal Trade Commission – consumer advice on online shopping scams
  • Better Business Bureau – tips for avoiding fake websites and phishing

Staying aware and taking a few extra seconds to verify a deal can save you time, money, and frustration. Enjoy the sales, but shop with caution.