How to Spot Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day: BBB Tips
Amazon Prime Day draws millions of shoppers looking for deals, but the Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are equally busy during the event. Every year, fake websites, phishing emails, and deceptive social media ads pop up to trick people into handing over their payment information or buying counterfeit goods. The good news is that most of these scams follow recognizable patterns. Knowing what to look for can keep your money and personal data safe.
What happened
The BBB has issued its annual alert about online shopping scams tied to Prime Day. According to the bureau, scammers often send emails that appear to come from Amazon, offering “early access” or “exclusive deals” that require clicking a link. Those links lead to lookalike websites designed to steal login credentials or credit card numbers. Other common tactics include fake social media ads and sponsored posts that advertise items at unrealistically low prices. When a shopper clicks and pays, the product either never arrives or turns out to be a cheap counterfeit.
The BBB also notes that scammers may pose as third-party sellers on legitimate platforms, listing items that don’t exist. In some cases, they pressure buyers into using gift cards or wire transfers, which are nearly impossible to reverse.
Why it matters
Prime Day creates a sense of urgency. Deals are time-limited, and shoppers often act quickly without double-checking the source. That urgency is exactly what scammers exploit. A single mistaken click can lead to a compromised Amazon account, stolen credit card details, or identity theft. According to FTC data, online shopping fraud accounted for billions in losses in recent years, and the volume spikes during major sales events.
Additionally, many people reuse passwords across accounts. If a scammer gets your Amazon password, they may try it on your email or bank accounts. The financial and personal fallout can take weeks to resolve.
What readers can do
Here are concrete steps to avoid Prime Day scams, based on BBB recommendations and common security best practices.
Shop directly on the official app or website
Type amazon.com into your browser or open the Amazon app. Do not click links from emails, text messages, or social media posts. Even if a message looks official, it’s safer to go directly to the source.
Verify the seller and the URL
Before entering payment details, check the web address. Scam sites often use variations like “amzon-deals.com” or “amazon-prime-sale.net.” On Amazon itself, review the seller’s rating and history. Avoid buyers with few reviews or recent negative feedback.
Be skeptical of deals that seem too good
A new iPhone for $50 or a popular video game console for half the retail price is a red flag. Scammers rely on the temptation of unbelievable bargains. If the price is dramatically lower than what you see elsewhere, it’s likely a fake listing.
Pay with a credit card or trusted payment service
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers. Services like PayPal also provide buyer dispute options. Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers for online purchases. Those methods are favored by scammers because they are difficult to trace.
Look for secure website indicators
Before submitting any personal information, check for “https://” at the start of the URL and a lock icon in the address bar. While these are not foolproof (scammers can sometimes get SSL certificates), their absence is a definite warning.
Use strong, unique passwords
Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account and any other accounts that offer it. This makes it much harder for someone to log in even if they get your password.
If you think you’ve been scammed
Act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the BBB at bbb.org/ScamTracker. Change your passwords for any accounts you may have used. Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Sources
- Better Business Bureau: BBB Scam Alert – Prime Day scams
- Federal Trade Commission: Report Fraud
- WBKO coverage of BBB warning (June 2026)