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

Amazon Prime Day brings steep discounts and limited-time offers that are hard to resist. Unfortunately, it also draws out scammers looking to cash in on the excitement. Fake deals, phishing emails, and copycat websites pop up every year, targeting shoppers who let their guard down. With a few practical precautions, you can still snag good deals without putting your money or personal information at risk. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely.

What Happened

PCMag published a timely guide on June 11, 2026, titled “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams.” The article highlights the most common fraud tactics used during major sales events and offers clear steps to avoid them. It draws on broader coverage of digital safety, including scam text defenses and social media fraud, making it part of a larger effort to help consumers stay protected in an increasingly tricky online marketplace.

Why It Matters

Prime Day isn’t just a shopping event—it’s a prime opportunity for cybercriminals. According to the Federal Trade Commission, online shopping scams have been rising steadily, and major sales events see a spike in complaints. Scammers often impersonate well-known retailers, send fake order confirmations, or create phony websites that look identical to the real thing. The damage can range from a few dollars lost to full identity theft. A few minutes of caution can save you weeks of headaches.

What Readers Can Do

The following tips come directly from PCMag’s guide and from standard cybersecurity best practices. They’re simple to follow and will go a long way toward keeping your shopping safe.

1. Only use official websites or retailer apps.
Always type the web address yourself or use a saved bookmark. Scammers register domains like “amzn-prime-day.com” that look close to the real thing. Stick to the official Amazon app or website.

2. Watch out for phishing emails and texts.
If you get a message claiming you’ve won a special deal or that your payment failed, don’t click any links. Go directly to the retailer’s site and check your account there. Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information via email or text.

3. Use strong, unique passwords.
Don’t reuse the same password across multiple sites. A password manager can generate and store complex passwords for you. That way, if one account gets compromised, the others remain safe.

4. Turn on two-factor authentication.
Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts. This adds an extra step—like a code sent to your phone—before someone can log in, even if they have your password.

5. Pay with a credit card or secure payment service.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. Services like PayPal also act as a buffer, so you don’t have to share your card details directly with the seller.

6. Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions.
Public networks are easy for attackers to intercept. If you must shop on the go, use your phone’s mobile data or a trustworthy VPN. Better yet, wait until you’re on a secure home network.

7. Check seller ratings and reviews.
On Amazon, look at the seller’s feedback and how long they’ve been active. Be skeptical of products with only a handful of perfect five-star reviews—those can be faked.

8. Keep receipts and track shipments.
Save confirmation emails and take screenshots of order pages. Use the tracking numbers provided. If something doesn’t arrive, you’ll have evidence for a dispute.

9. Monitor your accounts regularly.
Check your bank and credit card statements a few days after shopping. Set up alerts for any charges over a certain amount. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately.

Sources

  • PCMag. “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams.” June 11, 2026.
  • PCMag. “Your Phone Has a Hidden Defense Against Scam Texts—And It’s Probably Turned Off.” June 14, 2026.
  • PCMag. “Think Before You Tap: Don’t Fall for These 9 Viral Social Media Scams.” April 29, 2026.

Stay alert, shop smart, and remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.