How to Outsmart Amazon Prime Day Scammers: Tips to Shop Safely

Amazon Prime Day brings steep discounts—and unfortunately, a surge in scams designed to separate you from your money and personal data. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning ahead of the 2026 Prime Day sales, noting that phishing emails, fake websites, and counterfeit listings spike around major shopping events. This guide covers the most common tricks scammers use and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Happened

In late June 2026, the BBB cautioned consumers about an increase in online shopping scams targeting Prime Day shoppers. The warning, reported by WBKO, highlighted that scammers often impersonate Amazon through emails and text messages claiming there’s a problem with your account or an order. Others create lookalike websites that mimic Amazon to capture login credentials or credit card details. These attacks ramp up during high-traffic sales because shoppers are more likely to click quickly without double-checking.

Why It Matters

Online shopping fraud is a serious and growing problem. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers lost $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, with online shopping scams accounting for a significant share. A single click on a fake link can lead to stolen account information, unauthorized charges, or identity theft. Even if you don’t lose money, your personal data may be sold on the dark web. Prime Day’s limited-time deals create urgency, which is exactly the environment scammers exploit.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be an expert to avoid most Prime Day scams. A few consistent habits make a big difference.

Recognize the Common Scams

  • Phishing emails and texts. These look like official Amazon messages, often with subject lines like “Your order has been delayed” or “Account suspended.” They contain a link that leads to a fake login page.
  • Fake websites. Scammers register domain names that are easy to confuse with Amazon’s (e.g., “amaz0n-deals.com”). These sites often advertise unbelievable discounts.
  • Social media ads. Fraudulent sellers post “too good to be true” deals on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The product may never arrive, or it’s a cheap counterfeit.
  • Counterfeit products on Amazon. Even within the marketplace, third-party sellers sometimes list fake versions of popular items. Watch for sellers with few reviews or oddly low prices.

Spot the Red Flags

  • Urgency and high pressure. Scammers push you to act fast—this is designed to override careful thinking.
  • Grammar and spelling errors. Many phishing messages have awkward phrasing or typos, though some are getting better.
  • Suspicious URLs. Before clicking, hover over the link to see where it actually goes. Official Amazon URLs always end in “.amazon.com” or a similar trusted domain.
  • Requests for payment outside Amazon. If a seller asks you to pay via wire transfer, gift card, or a third-party service, it’s a scam.
  • Unsecured checkout pages. If the page doesn’t start with “https://” and show a padlock icon, do not enter payment information.

Protect Yourself Before You Shop

  • Use the official Amazon app or type the URL directly. Don’t rely on links from emails, texts, or search results.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account. This makes it much harder for someone to log in even if they get your password.
  • Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards offer better fraud protection, and you’re not exposing your bank account.
  • Stick to known sellers with good ratings. On product pages, check the “Sold by” information and read recent reviews.
  • Check the Better Business Bureau or Amazon’s own seller ratings if you’re unsure about a seller.

If You Fall Victim

Act quickly. Here’s what to do:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute charges and freeze the card.
  2. Change your Amazon password and any other accounts that use the same password.
  3. Report the scam to Amazon through its “Report a problem” page.
  4. File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Also report to the BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Taking these steps promptly limits the damage and helps authorities track scam operations.

The Bottom Line

Prime Day can be a legitimate opportunity to save money. The danger comes not from the event itself but from the scammers who ride its coattails. By staying cautious, verifying offers, and following simple security practices, you can shop without becoming a statistic. When a deal seems too good to be true—it usually is.

Sources

  • WBKO report on BBB warning (June 22, 2026)
  • Federal Trade Commission, “New FTC Data Show Consumers Lost $8.8 Billion to Fraud in 2022”
  • Amazon official help pages on reporting suspicious activity
  • Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker