How to Spot Amazon Prime Day Scams: BBB’s Warning and What to Do
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day, as reported by WBKO and other outlets. With millions of shoppers expected to hunt for deals, scammers are already ramping up efforts to steal money and personal information. Here’s what you need to know about the common tactics they use and how to protect yourself.
What happened
The BBB’s alert comes ahead of Amazon’s annual Prime Day event, which typically sees a spike in fraudulent activity. While the exact dates vary each year, the pattern is consistent: fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals flood inboxes and search results. The BBB has issued similar warnings during past Prime Days, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, noting that scammers exploit the urgency of limited-time offers.
Common scams highlighted in the warning include:
- Fake websites that mimic Amazon or other retailers’ login pages.
- Phishing emails pretending to be from Amazon asking you to verify your account or payment details.
- Social media ads leading to counterfeit storefronts that never deliver orders.
- Delivery notification texts containing links that install malware or request payment for “redelivery.”
These scams are not new, but they become more prevalent when shopping volume is high.
Why it matters
During a major sales event, consumers are more likely to click quickly and let their guard down. A single mistaken click can expose your credit card number, bank account details, or home address. The BBB reports that online purchase scams are among the top consumer complaints, and the median loss per victim runs into hundreds of dollars. Beyond financial loss, compromised personal information can lead to identity theft that takes months to resolve.
The timing of the warning is deliberate. Scammers know that shoppers are actively searching for deals, making it easier to bait them with convincing offers. The better informed you are before you start shopping, the less likely you are to fall for a trap.
What readers can do
Here are concrete steps you can take to avoid Prime Day scams:
- Shop directly on official websites or apps. Type amazon.com into your browser rather than clicking links in emails or ads. If an email appears to be from Amazon, check the sender address carefully—it should end in @amazon.com, not a variation.
- Verify the seller. If you buy from a third-party seller on Amazon, check their ratings, review history, and how long they’ve been on the platform. Be wary of sellers with few reviews or those that just launched.
- Use a credit card or a payment service like PayPal. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. Avoid wiring money or using gift cards for payment—legitimate retailers never ask for those.
- Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. A 90% discount on a popular electronics item is almost certainly a scam. Compare prices across reputable sites.
- Don’t click links in unsolicited texts or emails. If you receive a delivery notification out of the blue, go directly to the carrier’s website and track your package using the official tracking number.
If you do encounter a scam, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card company to stop payment and dispute the charge. Report the scam to the BBB’s Scam Tracker and to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting helps warn others.
Stay sharp
Amazon Prime Day offers real savings, but it also brings real risks. A few minutes of careful verification before hitting “buy” can save you time, money, and stress. The BBB’s annual reminder is worth heeding: slow down, double-check, and shop safely.
Sources: Better Business Bureau scam alert (2025); Federal Trade Commission consumer advice on online shopping scams.