How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is almost here, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued its annual warning about scams that spike during major sales events. With more shoppers hunting for deals, scammers are pushing fake websites, phishing emails, and social media ads that look legitimate but are designed to steal your money or personal information. Here is a practical guide to help you spot these scams and shop safely.
What Happened
The BBB warned consumers this week that online shopping scams tend to rise sharply in the days leading up to and during Amazon Prime Day, which runs July 15–16, 2026. Scammers often create lookalike websites that imitate Amazon or other retailers, send phishing emails claiming you’ve won a gift card or need to verify your account, and promote “too good to be true” deals on social media platforms. In some cases, they pose as customer support representatives calling to resolve a fake issue.
The agency noted that many of these scams rely on urgency. For example, a pop-up ad might say “Only 3 items left at this price” or an email might claim your Prime membership is about to expire. The goal is to get you to act without thinking.
Why It Matters
During a major shopping event, many people let their guard down. The combination of time pressure, limited-time offers, and hundreds of deals makes it easier to overlook red flags. Falling for a scam can mean losing money directly, having your credit card details stolen, or becoming a victim of identity theft. Even a small loss is frustrating, but some victims report losing hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The BBB also points out that scammers often request payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—methods that are nearly impossible to reverse. If a seller insists on one of these payment methods, it is a strong warning sign.
What Readers Can Do
Here are concrete steps to protect yourself this Prime Day and during any online sale event.
Verify the website and seller. Before you click “buy,” check the URL carefully. Scam sites often use misspelled domain names like “amaz0n-deals.com” or include extra words. Use the official Amazon app or go directly to Amazon.com. For third-party sellers, read recent reviews and look up the company on the BBB website.
Avoid unsolicited links. If you receive an email or text message about a deal, do not click the link. Go directly to the retailer’s website or app. Phishing emails can look identical to legitimate messages—hover over the sender’s address to see if it matches the official domain.
Use secure payment methods. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards, wire transfers, or gift cards. Never pay with a prepaid card or send money to someone you do not know. Amazon itself will never ask you to pay with gift cards or transfer money outside its checkout system.
Watch for social media traps. Deals advertised on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok by unfamiliar accounts are often scams. Even if the account appears real, scammers can hijack profiles. Check whether the account has a history of posts and engagement from real users.
Keep your devices and apps updated. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that scammers might exploit. Use a password manager to avoid reusing passwords, and enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account.
Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases. When you connect to a public network, others on the same network may be able to intercept your data. If you must shop on mobile, use your cellular data or a VPN.
If you think you have been scammed, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge. File a report with the BBB, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your local consumer protection office. Also notify Amazon’s customer service if the fraud involved a fake Amazon page or email.
Sources
- “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day,” WBKO, June 22, 2026. Link
- “Amazon Prime Day 2026 launches alongside major rival sales,” MSN, June 23, 2026. Link
Stay alert, take your time, and enjoy the deals safely. A few seconds of verification can save you a lot of trouble.