How to Spot Amazon Prime Day Scams: BBB’s Warning and What to Watch For

If you’re planning to shop Amazon Prime Day this year, you’re not alone—and neither are the scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a reminder that the surge in online deals during major sales events also brings a surge in fraudulent activity. Phony websites, fake customer service calls, and too‑good‑to‑be‑true offers on social media are among the tactics consumers should expect.

Here’s what the BBB is warning about and how you can protect yourself before clicking “buy.”

What Happened

On June 22, 2026, the BBB published a warning about online shopping scams tied to Amazon Prime Day and the array of rival sales that often launch alongside it. The organization noted that scammers take advantage of the excitement and urgency surrounding limited‑time deals. Common schemes include:

  • Phishing emails that mimic Amazon or other retailers, urging recipients to click on a link to “claim a deal” or “verify an account.”
  • Fake websites that use look‑alike URLs—for example, swapping a letter or adding an extra word—to trick shoppers into entering payment details on a fraudulent page.
  • Unrealistic social media ads for high‑demand electronics, appliances, or luxury goods at prices far below market value. These often lead to either substandard counterfeit products or no product at all.
  • Fraudulent customer service calls claiming there’s a problem with an order and requesting remote access to a computer or payment information.

The BBB also pointed out that scammers frequently target shoppers who search for deals on search engines or social media, making it critical to verify any offer before clicking.

Why It Matters

Prime Day is one of the busiest online shopping periods of the year, and scammers know that. According to the BBB’s 2025 Scam Tracker report, online purchase scams were among the top risk categories, with a median loss of around $150 per victim. While that may seem small, the cumulative cost to consumers runs into millions, and the damage is more than financial—people also risk identity theft and compromised accounts.

The timing is especially risky because many shoppers are in a rush, making it easier to overlook subtle warning signs. A fake website might look nearly identical to Amazon’s checkout page, and a persuasive email could arrive with the same logos and colors. Without a careful pause, it’s easy to hand over your credit card number to a criminal.

What Readers Can Do

The BBB offers several straightforward steps to avoid falling victim:

  1. Check the URL before entering any payment information. Official Amazon domains end in .amazon.com or a known country variant (e.g., .amazon.co.uk). Watch for misspellings (e.g., “amzon” or “amaz0n”) or unfamiliar top‑level domains like .shop or .deal.

  2. Never click on unsolicited links in emails or texts. If a “deal alert” seems legitimate, open a new browser window and go directly to the retailer’s website rather than using the link provided.

  3. Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps. In the event of a scam, you can often dispute the charge with your card issuer.

  4. Avoid making purchases over public Wi‑Fi. Public networks are less secure and can allow attackers to intercept your data. If you must shop on the go, use a cellular connection or a VPN.

  5. Verify the seller if you’re buying from a third‑party marketplace. Look for seller ratings, return policies, and a physical address. The BBB’s website (bbb.org) also lets you check if a business is accredited.

  6. Report any suspicious offers. If you encounter a scam, report it to the BBB’s Scam Tracker, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state’s consumer protection office. Even if you didn’t lose money, your report helps warn others.

Sources

  • BBB warning published June 22, 2026, via WBKO (Bowling Green, KY)
  • More on Prime Day 2026 launch and rival sales: MSN, June 23, 2026
  • BBB Scam Tracker data on online purchase scams (2025 report)

Stay cautious, take that extra moment to verify, and you’ll be far less likely to get burned this Prime Day.