Prime Day 2026: How to Spot Shopping Scams Before You Click Buy

Prime Day has become one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and scammers know it. With Amazon’s annual deal event expected in the coming days, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a fresh warning about online shopping scams that typically spike during these sales. If you’re planning to hunt for bargains, it’s worth knowing what to look out for — and how to avoid losing money or personal information.

What happened

On June 22, 2026, the BBB published a warning specifically about scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day. The alert, picked up by local news outlets like WBKO, pointed to several common tactics that fraudsters use to trick shoppers. These include phishing emails that impersonate Amazon order confirmations, fake websites designed to steal login credentials, and social media ads that lead to counterfeit goods or outright theft.

The timing is not accidental. Major sales events create urgency and a flood of promotional messages, making it easier for fake offers to blend in. The BBB’s warning is a reminder that not every “deal” is real, and that extra caution pays off.

Why it matters

Online shopping scams are not new, but they are becoming more sophisticated. During Prime Day, the sheer volume of transactions makes it harder for consumers to spot fakes. A convincing email that looks like it came from Amazon might ask you to verify your account or claim a special offer. Clicking the link could take you to a page that looks identical to Amazon’s login screen — but the only thing you’ll receive is a stolen password and credit card number.

The financial impact can be significant. Beyond losing money on a product that never arrives, victims may face identity theft or unauthorized charges. And while Amazon has protections in place, they don’t always cover purchases made through third-party links or unofficial channels.

What readers can do

Here are practical steps to reduce your risk during Prime Day and other sales events:

  • Stick to official channels. Go directly to Amazon.com or use the official app. Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or text messages, even if they look legitimate. Type the URL yourself.
  • Check the sender’s address. Phishing emails often come from addresses that mimic Amazon but include extra characters or misspellings (e.g., “amaz0n-support” or “[email protected]”). Hover over links before clicking to see the real destination.
  • Verify seller reviews. On Amazon, look at product listings carefully. If a seller has few reviews, or if reviews seem generic or repetitive, it could be a red flag. Sort reviews by most recent and read a mix of positive and negative ones.
  • Avoid deals that seem too good. A new laptop for 90% off is almost certainly a scam. High-pressure tactics like “only 2 left” or “flash sale ends in 5 minutes” are common in fake ads. Take a moment to think before buying.
  • Use secure payment methods. Pay with a credit card or a service like PayPal that offers buyer protection. Debit cards and wire transfers are harder to recover if something goes wrong.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account. This adds an extra layer of security even if your password is compromised.
  • Watch out for social media ads. Scammers often run sponsored posts on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok that lead to fake storefronts. If you see a product advertised that seems unusual, search for it on Amazon directly rather than clicking the ad.

If you do fall victim, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charge. Change your Amazon password and sign out of all sessions. Report the scam to the BBB’s Scam Tracker and to Amazon’s customer service.

Sources

  • BBB warning reported by WBKO on June 22, 2026: BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day
  • MSN coverage of Prime Day 2026 launches alongside rival sales (June 23, 2026)

Stay safe, and happy shopping — but keep your guard up.