How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day approaches, shoppers are on the lookout for bargains. Unfortunately, scammers are also gearing up. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning in late June 2026 about a spike in fraudulent activity tied to the event. With fake websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit products cropping up, knowing how to shop safely can save you money and protect your personal data.

What Happened

On June 22, 2026, the BBB published an alert regarding an increase in online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day. The warning, covered by local outlets including WBKO, cited common tactics such as:

  • Phishing emails and text messages that appear to come from Amazon, claiming there is a problem with an order or offering an exclusive deal.
  • Fake retailer websites that mimic real stores (including Amazon) to capture payment information.
  • Deals that seem too good to be true—often for high-demand electronics, clothing, or home goods.
  • Counterfeit merchandise sold through third-party listings on legitimate platforms.

The BBB noted that these scams tend to accelerate during major sales events because people are more willing to click quickly and share their credit card details.

Why It Matters

The stakes go beyond losing money on a fake purchase. If you enter your credit card number, address, and other personal details on a fraudulent site, that information can be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web. Even a small slip—clicking a phishing link—can lead to compromised email accounts or bank credentials.

Prime Day draws millions of shoppers each year, and scammers know that the combination of urgency (“limited time offer”) and trust in a big brand like Amazon makes many people let their guard down. The BBB estimates that online shopping scams are among the top risk categories for consumers during peak shopping seasons.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to skip the sales to stay safe. Here are concrete, practical steps to take before you click “buy”:

1. Shop on official apps or websites directly
Instead of clicking a link from an email or social media ad, type the store’s URL into your browser or open its official app. Scammers often create domains that look nearly identical to Amazon’s (e.g., “amazon-prime-deals.co” or “amaz0n.com”).

2. Be wary of unsolicited messages
If you receive an email or text about an order you didn’t place, a prize, or a “special invitation,” do not click any links. Go to your Amazon account and check your order history directly. Legitimate companies rarely ask you to confirm personal details via email.

3. Look for red flags in URLs and website design
Fake sites often have slightly misspelled brand names, poor grammar, or low-resolution images. Check that the URL starts with “https://” and that the padlock icon appears. Still, a padlock alone isn’t proof of legitimacy—it just means the connection is encrypted, not that the seller is honest.

4. Use a credit card (not debit) for purchases
Credit cards offer better fraud protection. If a charge turns out to be fraudulent, you can dispute it with your card issuer. Debit cards draw money directly from your bank account, making it harder to recover funds.

5. Enable purchase alerts and monitor your accounts
Set up notifications for any transaction over a small amount (e.g., $0.01) so you catch unauthorized charges quickly. Check your bank and credit card statements a few days after Prime Day.

6. Avoid public Wi-Fi for checkout
Public networks (coffee shops, airports) are easier to intercept. If you must shop on the go, use a cellular connection or a trusted VPN.

7. Research the seller before buying
On Amazon, check the seller’s ratings, customer reviews, and how long they’ve been active. For any independent website, search “[store name] scam” or look for BBB business profiles.

What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you realize you’ve fallen for a scam:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to stop payment and dispute charges.
  • Change the password and enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account and any other accounts that use the same password.
  • Report the scam to the BBB (bbb.org/ScamTracker) and the Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud.ftc.gov).
  • If you entered personal information like your Social Security number, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Prime Day can be a great time to snag a deal—but only if you keep your guard up. A few extra seconds to verify a link or a seller can save you weeks of headaches and lost money.

Sources

  • BBB Scam Alert, June 22, 2026 (reported by WBKO)
  • Federal Trade Commission: Online Shopping Scams
  • Amazon’s official A-to-Z Guarantee and reporting tools