How to Spot Online Shopping Scams This Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day is almost here, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging shoppers to stay alert. Historically, scammers ramp up their activity during major sales events, and this year is no different. The BBB has issued a warning specifically about the increase in online shopping scams targeting consumers who are hunting for deals.

Here is a breakdown of what is happening, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself.

What Happened

The BBB released an alert noting that phishing emails, fake websites, and social media ads with unreal discounts are circulating ahead of Prime Day. These scams often mimic Amazon’s official communications, using lookalike domain names (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”) or urgent language like “your account has been locked” to trick people into clicking malicious links.

Scammers also set up fraudulent online stores that appear legitimate but never deliver the items purchased. They frequently request payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—methods that are nearly impossible to reverse.

Why It Matters

During high-traffic shopping periods, consumers are more likely to act quickly and overlook red flags. A single click on a fake link or purchase from a sketchy site can lead to stolen credit card numbers, compromised accounts, or identity theft. The financial loss can be significant, and recovering funds is often difficult. The BBB’s warning is timely because awareness is the first line of defense.

What Readers Can Do

Taking a few extra seconds before buying can save you a lot of trouble. Here are concrete steps based on BBB recommendations:

  • Shop directly through official apps or websites. Type the URL yourself rather than clicking links from emails or social media. If you get a deal in an email, open a new browser tab and go directly to Amazon (or the retailer’s site) to verify it.

  • Check the URL closely. Scammers often use addresses that differ by one character. Look for subtle misspellings or added words. A site that is “amaz0n-prime-day.com” is not Amazon.

  • Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate online stores accept credit cards, debit cards, or services like PayPal. Credit cards offer better fraud protection.

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account and email. This adds a layer of security even if your password is stolen.

  • Keep your devices and browser updated. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.

  • Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true. If a price is drastically lower than everywhere else, it’s likely a scam.

  • Read the seller’s reviews and return policy before buying from a third-party marketplace. Look for signs of fake reviews, such as many five-star ratings posted on the same day.

What to Do If You Fall Victim

If you realize you’ve been scammed, act quickly:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback.
  2. Change your passwords—especially for your email and shopping accounts.
  3. Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker) and the Federal Trade Commission (reportfraud.ftc.gov).
  4. Monitor your accounts and credit reports for any unusual activity.

Sources

  • BBB warning: “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day” (WBKO, June 2026)
  • Additional news coverage from multiple outlets (MSN, WBKO) confirming the alert and related Prime Day announcements.

Stay safe while shopping this Prime Day. A little caution goes a long way.