How to Spot Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day (and Every Day)

If you’re planning to shop during Amazon Prime Day this week, you’re not alone. Major retailers are running competing sales, and millions of consumers are looking for deals. But scammers are watching too. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning that fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and fake ads are expected to spike alongside the legitimate promotions.

Knowing what to look for can save you money and frustration. Here’s what’s happening and how to protect yourself.

What Happened

On June 22, 2026, the BBB warned consumers about an increase in online shopping scams tied to Prime Day and other major sales events like Target Circle Week and Walmart’s competing offers. Scammers set up lookalike websites that mimic trusted retailers, send unsolicited emails offering “exclusive deals,” and post too-good-to-be-true ads on social media. The goal is to steal payment information or personal data.

This pattern is not new, but the scale ramps up during high-traffic shopping periods. The BBB report, covered by WBKO, highlights that many of these scams rely on urgency – limited-time offers that pressure shoppers into clicking before thinking.

Why It Matters

A single bad click can lead to a stolen credit card number, a compromised email account, or a charge that your bank may not reverse. Even if you catch the scam quickly, the hassle of disputing charges and monitoring your credit is real. For people who are less familiar with online risks – older relatives, first-time deal hunters – the chance of falling for a fake site or phishing email is higher during the frenzied rush of a sale event.

The financial loss from these scams is often small per person, but the cumulative impact is significant. More importantly, many victims never report the crime, which means the fraudsters keep operating.

What You Can Do

There’s no need to avoid Prime Day entirely. Just follow a few straightforward steps to stay safe:

  • Check the URL carefully. Fake sites often use slightly misspelled domain names or unusual top-level domains. A site like “amaz0n-deals.com” is a red flag. Bookmark the official retailer links beforehand so you aren’t relying on search results or ads.

  • Look for secure payment options. Legitimate websites use HTTPS (the padlock icon in your browser address bar). But be aware that scammers can also get HTTPS certificates, so it’s not a guarantee by itself. Prefer paying by credit card rather than debit or wire transfer – credit cards offer better fraud protection.

  • Verify the seller. On third-party marketplaces like Amazon, check the seller’s ratings and how long they’ve been active. Be cautious of sellers with few reviews or that sound like generic names. If the deal is on a standalone site, search for the store name plus “scam” or “complaint” to see if others have reported problems.

  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases. Public networks can be snooped, and it’s too easy for someone nearby to intercept your payment info. If you have to shop on mobile, use your cellular data or a trusted VPN.

  • Ignore unsolicited messages. Deals arriving by email or text that you didn’t sign up for are almost always scams. Don’t click links – go directly to the retailer’s app or website.

  • Know the return policy. Scam sites often bury impossible return terms or disappear after you pay. Legitimate retailers clearly state their policies.

If you do suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly: contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge, file a report with the BBB (bbb.org/ScamTracker), and alert the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Change any passwords you may have shared, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

Sources

  • BBB warning covered by WBKO: “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day” (June 22, 2026)
  • MSN coverage of Prime Day 2026 and rival sales (June 23, 2026)

Stay aware, but don’t let scammers ruin the fun of a good deal.