How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before Prime Day: BBB Warning and Safety Tips

Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, and with it comes a predictable surge in online shopping scams. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning to consumers about the increased risk of fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals that target shoppers during major sales events. Below is a breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and practical steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

What Happened

In late June 2026, the BBB released an alert specifically ahead of Amazon Prime Day, which typically falls in July. The organization noted that scammers ramp up their efforts during high-traffic shopping periods, using a mix of old and new tricks. Common tactics include:

  • Fake websites that closely mimic legitimate retailers like Amazon, often using a slightly misspelled URL or a different top-level domain (e.g., .shop instead of .com).
  • Phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon or other major stores, claiming “exclusive deal alerts” or “account verification required.” These emails often contain links that lead to credential harvesting pages.
  • Social media ads for steep discounts on high-demand items like electronics, which redirect to counterfeit storefronts.
  • Gift card scams where shoppers are asked to pay for “limited-time deals” using prepaid cards, which are nearly impossible to trace or recover.

The BBB’s warning is based on an uptick in consumer complaints during previous Prime Day events, and similar patterns are expected this year.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams are not just an inconvenience; they can result in direct financial loss and identity theft. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing over $1.2 billion to online shopping fraud in 2025 alone. During a major event like Prime Day, the sheer volume of transactions makes it easier for scammers to blend in.

Beyond individual harm, these scams erode trust in e‑commerce. If you click on a malicious link or buy from a fake site, you may lose your money without recourse, especially if you used a debit card or a peer‑to‑peer payment app. The BBB’s warning serves as a reminder that while legitimate sales offer real savings, the urgency and excitement of a limited‑time event are exactly what criminals exploit.

What Readers Can Do

Here are concrete steps you can take right now and during Prime Day:

1. Verify the seller and website before buying.

  • Type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser instead of clicking a link from an email or ad.
  • Check for subtle misspellings or unusual domain extensions (e.g., “amaz0n‑deals.com”).
  • For Amazon itself, stick to the official app or website (amazon.com). If you’re buying from a third‑party seller on Amazon, review their ratings and return policies carefully.

2. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good.

  • If a brand new video game console or high‑end smartphone is advertised at 80% off, it’s almost certainly a scam.
  • Compare prices across multiple legitimate retailers. A real sale usually offers a discount of 15‑30%, not 80‑90%.

3. Use a credit card, not a debit card or gift card.

  • Credit cards provide stronger fraud protection under federal law (the Fair Credit Billing Act). Debit cards have more limited protections, and gift card payments are essentially irreversible.
  • Never pay for an online purchase with a wire transfer or cryptocurrency – those methods are favored by scammers because they’re nearly impossible to trace.

4. Watch for urgency and pressure tactics.

  • Phishing emails often say things like “Only 3 left!” or “Claim your deal now before it expires.” Legitimate sales do use scarcity, but scammers push you to act without thinking.
  • Hover over links before clicking to see the actual destination. If the URL looks suspicious, don’t click.

5. Check the BBB’s website and other consumer resources.

  • Before buying from an unfamiliar online store, look up its BBB Business Profile. You can also search for “[store name] scam” to see if other consumers have reported problems.
  • The BBB Scam Tracker and the FTC’s Consumer Advice are updated regularly with active schemes.

6. If you do fall for a scam, act quickly.

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report unauthorized charges and request a chargeback.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and with the BBB Scam Tracker.
  • Change passwords for any accounts you may have exposed, and monitor your bank statements and credit reports for the next few months.

Sources

  • Better Business Bureau – “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day” (WBKO, June 22, 2026)
  • Federal Trade Commission – Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2025

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available warnings and general fraud prevention practices. Scam tactics evolve quickly, so always stay alert and rely on official retailer communications.