How to Spot and Avoid Shopping Scams This Amazon Prime Day

With Amazon Prime Day and other major sales events drawing huge crowds of shoppers, scammers see an opportunity. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about a surge in online shopping scams tied to these promotional periods. Their alert, published on June 22, 2026, highlights the most common tricks criminals use to steal money and personal information. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely.

What Happened

The BBB warned that fake deals, phishing emails, and counterfeit websites are circulating heavily ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2026 (scheduled for June 23–24). Scammers create lookalike sites that mimic Amazon or other major retailers, send emails offering “too good to be true” discounts, and post fraudulent ads on social media. Some even pose as customer service representatives to trick shoppers into sharing account details or payment information. The BBB’s alert notes that these scams spike during major shopping events because people let their guard down.

Why It Matters

Falling for these scams can cost you not just money, but also sensitive data like your address, credit card numbers, and passwords. Once scammers have that information, they can commit identity theft or sell it on the dark web. Even if you catch the fraud quickly, recovering funds can take weeks. The BBB’s warning is a reminder that a few minutes of caution can save you hours of hassle later.

What Readers Can Do

Here are practical steps to protect yourself during any big sale event.

1. Verify the seller and website.
Always type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser, or use their official app. Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or social media posts. Before entering payment details, check that the website address starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon. For new sellers, read customer reviews on platforms like the BBB website or Trustpilot. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Be suspicious of urgent messages.
Scammers love to create a false sense of urgency: “Limited time only!” or “Your account has been compromised, click here to verify.” Legitimate companies rarely ask for passwords or payment info via email or text. If you receive such a message, go directly to the company’s official site and log in to check for alerts.

3. Use safe payment methods.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If you pay with a debit card and your account is drained, getting your money back can be a struggle. Avoid using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for purchases—these are nearly impossible to trace or recover. The BBB specifically warns that scammers often demand gift cards as payment.

4. Keep your devices and accounts secure.
Make sure your computer, phone, and browser are up to date. Use strong, unique passwords for each online account, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security even if your password is stolen.

5. Know what to do if you’re scammed.
If you think you’ve been tricked, take these steps immediately:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer to freeze the account and dispute any unauthorized charges.
  • Change your passwords for all affected accounts.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the BBB at bbb.org/ScamTracker.
  • If you entered personal information on a fake site, place a fraud alert on your credit file with one of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

Sources

  • BBB warning published June 22, 2026, as reported by WBKO and other outlets.
  • Amazon Prime Day 2026 dates from MSN and Amazon press releases.
  • FTC guidelines on online shopping scams and fraud reporting.