How to Spot Amazon Prime Day Scams, According to the BBB
Amazon Prime Day brings steep discounts and limited-time deals, but it also draws a surge in online shopping scams. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued its annual warning ahead of the event, urging shoppers to be cautious of phishing emails, fake websites, and offers that seem too good to be true. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely.
What Happened
The BBB released a consumer alert cautioning that scammers are already ramping up their attacks in anticipation of Prime Day. Common tactics include:
- Phishing emails disguised as order confirmations or account alerts. These messages often contain links that lead to counterfeit login pages designed to steal your Amazon credentials.
- Lookalike websites that mimic Amazon’s interface. Scammers create these sites to capture payment details or sell counterfeit goods.
- Too-good-to-be-true deals advertised on social media or via unsolicited texts. These often lead to non-existent products or substandard merchandise.
The BBB notes that these scams tend to peak during major shopping events because consumers are in a hurry and may let their guard down.
Why It Matters
Falling for a Prime Day scam can cost you more than just a few dollars. Victims may face:
- Financial loss from unauthorized charges or never-received items.
- Identity theft if scammers harvest personal information, including credit card numbers and addresses.
- Account compromise, where cybercriminals use stolen credentials to make purchases or access saved payment methods.
According to the BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report, online purchase scams were the second most common fraud type reported, with a median loss of $100. During high-traffic sales events, the number of reports typically spikes.
What Readers Can Do
The BBB recommends several practical steps to protect yourself:
Verify the source of any email or text. Legitimate Amazon emails will come from an @amazon.com address and will never ask you to click a link to confirm account details. If you receive an unexpected “order confirmation,” log in directly to your Amazon account rather than clicking the link.
Check the URL before entering payment information. Fraudulent sites often use slight misspellings (e.g., “arnazon.com” or “amzon-deals.com”). Look for the padlock icon and “https” in the address bar.
Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and allow you to dispute charges more easily if something goes wrong. The BBB also advises against using wire transfers or gift cards for online purchases.
Research unfamiliar sellers. If you come across a deal on a site you’ve never used, search for reviews with terms like “scam” or “complaint.” You can also check the seller’s rating on the BBB’s website.
Be skeptical of extreme discounts. If a product is priced 70% or more below its usual retail, it’s likely a red flag. Compare prices across reputable retailers first.
Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account. This adds an extra layer of security even if your password is stolen.
Monitor your statements. Review your credit card and bank accounts regularly during and after Prime Day. Report any unauthorized charges immediately.
If you do fall victim, the BBB advises:
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer to freeze your account and dispute charges.
- Change your Amazon password and log out of all devices.
- Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your local law enforcement.