How to Shop Safely on Prime Day: 9 Tips to Avoid Scams

Prime Day and other major sales events are an ideal time for scammers. With millions of shoppers hunting for bargains, fraudulent sites, phishing emails, and fake offers multiply quickly. A recent PCMag article (June 11, 2026) highlighted the growing number of online shopping scams tied to these events, and the Federal Trade Commission has also noted seasonal spikes in fraud reports. The good news is that a few straightforward precautions can make a real difference.

What Happened

The PCMag piece, “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams,” outlines common tactics used by scammers during Amazon Prime Day. These include counterfeit websites that mimic legitimate retailers, phishing emails promising exclusive deals, and too-good-to-be-true prices on popular items. While the article focuses on Prime Day, the advice applies to any large sale event.

Why It Matters

Falling for a shopping scam can cost you money and compromise your personal information. Scammers often aim for credit card numbers, login credentials, and even Social Security numbers. Recovery can be time-consuming, and some victims never get their money back. Taking a few minutes to verify a deal or a seller is far easier than dealing with the aftermath of fraud.

What Readers Can Do

Here are nine practical steps to protect yourself while shopping during Prime Day or any similar event.

  1. Shop directly from official websites or apps.

Always start at the retailer’s official site or app. Avoid clicking ads or search results that look like the store you want—scammers buy ad space for lookalike domains. Type the URL yourself or use a bookmark.

  1. Verify the seller if buying from a third-party marketplace.

Amazon, Walmart, and eBay host third-party sellers. Check the seller’s ratings, how long they’ve been active, and read recent reviews. If a seller has no history or mostly negative feedback, be cautious. Also, look for “Fulfilled by Amazon” or similar guarantees that add a layer of protection.

  1. Watch out for deals that are too good to be true.

A heavily discounted high-demand product—like a new gaming console or laptop at 80% off—is almost certainly a scam. Compare prices across known retailers. If the discount is far below what competitors offer, it’s a red flag.

  1. Never click links in unsolicited emails or texts.

Phishing messages often pretend to be from Amazon or another retailer, with a link to an “exclusive” deal. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn’t match the official domain (e.g., amazon.com instead of amaz0n-deals.com), don’t click. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s site.

  1. Use a credit card or a secure payment method like PayPal.

Credit cards generally offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. Many card issuers have zero-liability policies for unauthorized charges. PayPal also offers dispute resolution. Avoid using gift cards, wire transfers, or other irreversible payment methods with unknown sellers.

  1. Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second step—usually a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app—to log in. This prevents scammers from accessing your account even if they steal your password. Most major retailers support 2FA. Turn it on before shopping.

  1. Keep your devices and apps updated.

Software updates often include security patches. Before you start shopping, check that your phone, computer, and web browser are up to date. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.

  1. Beware of fake customer support or refund scams.

Scammers may contact you after a purchase claiming there was a problem with your order and request payment details or remote access to “fix” it. Legitimate customer service won’t ask for sensitive information this way. If you receive such a call or email, hang up and contact the retailer using the official number from their website.

  1. Monitor your bank statements after purchase.

Check your credit card and bank accounts a few days after shopping for any unauthorized charges. Report suspicious transactions immediately. Many issuers allow you to set up alerts for purchases over a certain amount, which can help catch fraud early.

Staying vigilant doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps, you can take advantage of sales without putting your money or personal data at unnecessary risk.

Sources

  • PCMag, “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams,” June 11, 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Online Shopping Scams” (consumer alerts).