How to Spot Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day: A BBB-Inspired Guide
Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about a surge in shopping-related fraud targeting consumers ahead of the sales event. While Prime Day offers legitimate discounts, it also creates an environment where fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals thrive. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely.
What Happened
The BBB released an alert on June 22, 2026, cautioning shoppers about the increased risk of online scams during major sales periods, specifically calling out Amazon Prime Day. Historic data shows that such events consistently attract scammers who impersonate well-known retailers, create counterfeit websites, and send fraudulent emails designed to steal payment information or personal data. The warning was covered by local outlets including WBKO.
Why It Matters
Prime Day is a prime target for scammers because millions of people are actively looking for deals, often under time pressure. Scammers exploit this urgency. Common schemes include:
- Fake websites that mimic Amazon or third-party sellers but never deliver the product.
- Phishing emails posing as Amazon order confirmations or account alerts, with links that steal credentials.
- Social media ads directing users to lookalike stores that collect credit card numbers.
- Too-good-to-be-true prices on electronics, luxury goods, or gift cards, often requiring wire transfer or prepaid card payment.
Even savvy shoppers can be fooled by well-crafted scams. The financial loss is bad enough, but identity theft can be a long-term consequence.
What Readers Can Do
The key is to slow down and verify before you pay. Here are concrete steps you can take:
1. Check the URL and website authenticity
Before entering any payment information, look for the padlock icon and “https://” in the address bar. But don’t stop there – scammers can get SSL certificates too. Manually type the known retailer’s address (e.g., amazon.com) instead of clicking links from emails or ads. If the site looks odd, has poor grammar, or lacks a physical address and phone number, leave.
2. Be suspicious of unusual payment methods
Legitimate retailers accept credit cards and recognized payment services like PayPal. If a seller insists on wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, that’s a major red flag. Credit cards offer chargeback protection; those other methods generally don’t.
3. Verify the seller, especially on third-party marketplaces
If you’re buying from an unfamiliar seller on Amazon or another platform, check their history. Look at seller ratings, how long they’ve been active, and read recent reviews – especially the negative ones. The BBB also recommends checking a company’s profile on their site.
4. Beware of phishing emails
During Prime Day, you’ll likely receive many promotional emails. Scammers send fake ones with subject lines like “Your order has been delayed” or “Confirm your account.” Never click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website and log in from there.
5. Use secure networks
Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. Use your mobile data or a trusted home network. If you must use public Wi-Fi, enable a VPN for an extra layer of protection.
6. Act quickly if you think you’ve been scammed
Contact your credit card issuer or bank immediately to dispute the charge. Then file a report with:
- The BBB (bbb.org/scamtracker)
- The Federal Trade Commission (reportfraud.ftc.gov)
- Your local police if you shared sensitive personal information
The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering your money.
Sources
- BBB Scam Tracker: “BBB Warns of Online Shopping Scams Ahead of Amazon Prime Day” (June 22, 2026)
- Federal Trade Commission: “How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams”
- WBKO coverage of BBB alert
Prime Day can be a good opportunity to save money, but only if you stay alert. Take a few extra minutes to verify before you click “buy.” Your wallet and your identity will thank you.