How to Outsmart Amazon Prime Day Scams: BBB Warning and Safety Tips
Amazon Prime Day is a magnet for bargain hunters—and for scammers. With the event launching alongside other major sales in 2026, the Better Business Bureau has issued a fresh warning about the rise in fraudulent offers, phishing emails, and fake sellers. Here’s what you need to know to keep your money and data safe.
What Happened
On June 22, 2026, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warned consumers about an expected surge in online shopping scams tied to Amazon Prime Day. The warning, reported by WBKO, notes that scammers take advantage of the shopping frenzy to trick people with fake websites, phishing emails that look like Amazon notifications, and too-good-to-be-true deals on social media. These scams often lead to stolen credit card information, unauthorized purchases, or counterfeit goods.
Why It Matters
Prime Day deals can be tempting, but urgency is a scammer’s best friend. When you’re racing to grab a limited-time offer, it’s easy to click a link without checking where it leads. The BBB reports that many victims lose hundreds of dollars, and recovering funds can be difficult once the money is sent. Phishing emails also put your personal data at risk, which can lead to identity theft. With major sales events becoming more frequent, knowing the red flags can save you not just money, but also the headache of dealing with fraud.
What Readers Can Do
Shop only on official sites or apps
Always type the URL directly into your browser or use the official Amazon app. Do not click on links in unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media ads. Scammers create pages that look identical to Amazon’s, but the domain will often have a small misspelling (e.g., “amaz0n.com” or “amazonsale.net”).
Be skeptical of unrealistic discounts
If a “Prime Day deal” offers a 90% discount on a popular electronics item, it’s almost certainly a scam. Scammers lure you with prices that seem impossible—because they are. Compare prices across legitimate retailers before committing.
Inspect the URL and the sender’s address
Before entering any payment information, look at the website’s address bar. Legitimate Amazon emails come from addresses ending in “@amazon.com,” not from free services like Gmail. Also, check for bad grammar, generic greetings (like “Dear Customer” instead of your name), and urgent language demanding immediate action.
Use a credit card or trusted payment service
Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Services like PayPal can also add a layer of buyer protection. Never pay with gift cards wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—Amazon does not ask for these.
Enable two-factor authentication on your account
Adding a second verification step (like a text message code) makes it harder for scammers to break into your Amazon account even if they manage to steal your password.
What to do if you fall victim
If you spot a scam after making a purchase, act quickly: contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge, change your Amazon password immediately, and report the scam to the BBB’s Scam Tracker, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Amazon.
By staying cautious and following these steps, you can enjoy Prime Day without becoming a statistic. The real savings come from shopping smart, not fast.
Sources
- Better Business Bureau warning reported by WBKO (June 22, 2026)
- Amazon Prime Day 2026 announcement (MSN, June 23, 2026)
- FTC consumer advice on online shopping scams