How to Avoid Scams While Shopping Father’s Day and Prime Day Deals

If you are planning to buy gifts for Father’s Day or take advantage of Amazon Prime Day later this summer, you are not alone. According to a recent WRAL report, spending for both events is expected to reach record levels. That kind of activity draws more than just bargain hunters — scammers also ramp up their efforts during these periods, hoping to catch shoppers off guard.

Knowing what to look for and how to protect yourself can make the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. Below is a breakdown of what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do to stay safe.

What Happened

In a story published June 19, 2026, WRAL highlighted that Father’s Day and Prime Day spending are both projected to break previous records. The article noted that scammers are already capitalizing on the surge in online shopping. Common tactics include fake websites that mimic well-known retailers, phishing emails that claim to offer exclusive deals, and social media advertisements promoting counterfeit or nonexistent products.

Retailers like Amazon, along with consumer protection agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), have been issuing warnings about these threats. The timing is deliberate — scammers know that shoppers are more likely to click quickly when they think a deal might expire soon.

Why It Matters

Peak shopping seasons create urgency, and urgency often leads to carelessness. Scammers rely on that. A single click on a fraudulent link or a purchase from an unverified seller can lead to stolen credit card numbers, identity theft, or receiving no product at all. Even if the loss is small initially, the long-term consequences — such as compromised personal information — can be more serious.

Consumer protection resources report that reports of online shopping fraud tend to spike around major sales events. Many victims do not realize they have been scammed until days or weeks later, by which time the funds are often unrecoverable.

What Readers Can Do

Taking a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk. Here are practical steps to follow before, during, and after your purchase.

Before you buy

  • Research the seller. If you are buying from a marketplace like Amazon, check the seller’s history and ratings. For independent websites, look up reviews on the Better Business Bureau or other trusted sources. Be wary of newly created stores with little track record.
  • Compare prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure shoppers with prices well below market value. Verify the price on the retailer’s official site.
  • Check the URL. Fraudulent websites often use addresses that are slightly misspelled or use a different domain extension (for example, “amaz0n-deals.com” instead of “amazon.com”). Always type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser rather than clicking a link from an email or social media post.

During checkout

  • Use a credit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers. If you do not receive the item or your card is used without authorization, you can dispute the charge. Avoid paying with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money orders — scammers almost always request these methods.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi. Making a purchase while connected to an unsecured network can expose your payment information. Use a secure, private connection or a VPN if necessary.
  • Consider a password manager. Keeping strong, unique passwords for each shopping account reduces the chance that a breach on one site will affect others. A password manager can generate and store these for you.

After your purchase

  • Track your order. Only use official tracking links from the retailer. Be cautious of emails claiming there is a shipping problem; they may be phishing attempts. Log into your account directly to check the status.
  • Save receipts and confirmation numbers. If you need to file a dispute or a report, having these details will speed up the process.
  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements. Check for any unauthorized charges in the weeks following the sale. Report suspicious activity immediately to your card issuer.
  • Report scams. If you believe you have encountered a fraudulent offer or been scammed, file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For Amazon-related issues, use its fraud reporting page.

Sources

  • WRAL, “Father’s Day, Prime Day to bring record spending. Here’s how to shop smart, and avoid scams,” June 19, 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Consumer Advice: How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams.”
  • Amazon, “Report a Scam or Suspicious Activity.”