How to Spot Online Shopping Scams This Prime Day
Online sales events like Amazon Prime Day have become a magnet for bargain hunters. They are also a prime time for scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about the rise in shopping scams timed to coincide with Prime Day and similar promotions. If you plan to take advantage of the deals, it helps to know what to watch for before you click “buy.”
What Happened
On June 22, 2026, the BBB published an alert cautioning consumers about fraudulent activity linked to Amazon Prime Day. According to the organization, scammers ramp up phishing emails, create fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, and advertise deals that are too good to be true. The BBB also noted an increase in requests for payment via gift cards, which is a common red flag. News outlets like WBKO and MSN covered the warning, giving it wider circulation.
Why It Matters
Major shopping events create a sense of urgency. Scammers exploit that. They send emails claiming there is a problem with your order or that you need to verify your account. The links in those messages often lead to convincing replicas of retail sites. If you enter your login credentials or payment information, it goes straight to the fraudster.
Fake storefronts also appear in search results and social media ads. They offer steep discounts on popular items, collect your money, and either send nothing or ship a counterfeit product. By the time you realize what happened, the site is gone. The BBB has tracked these patterns for years, and the warning this June is consistent with what they see before every major sale.
What Readers Can Do
You can reduce the risk by following a few straightforward steps.
Check the URL carefully. Fraudulent sites often use addresses that are close to the real one but contain small misspellings or extra words. For example, “amaz0n-deals.com” is not Amazon. If you are unsure, open a new browser tab and navigate directly to the retailer’s official website rather than clicking a link from an email or ad.
Watch for high-pressure language. Emails that say “Your account will be suspended” or “Act now or lose the deal” are designed to make you act without thinking. Take a moment to verify the message by logging into your account through the official site. Do not call phone numbers or click links provided in the email.
Pay with a credit card. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards, wire transfers, or gift cards. Legitimate merchants do not ask for payment by gift card. If a seller demands one, stop the transaction.
Use a single-use virtual card number if your bank offers one. Some card issuers let you generate a temporary number for a specific purchase. That limits exposure if the merchant turns out to be fraudulent.
Research unknown sellers. If you are buying from a third-party seller on a marketplace, check their ratings and read recent reviews. Be cautious of sellers who have just launched with only positive feedback.
Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a scam or a suspected scam, you can file a report with the BBB at BBB.org/ScamTracker. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also accepts reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Doing so helps warn others and may assist enforcement.
Not Just Prime Day
While the BBB’s warning specifically mentions Amazon Prime Day, the same advice applies to other sales events like Target Circle Week, Walmart Deals, or any seasonal promotion. Scammers follow the calendar. They know when shoppers are looking for bargains and adjust their tactics accordingly.
The bottom line: deals are real, but so are the scams. A little caution before you purchase can save you money and frustration.
Sources
- BBB warning reported by WBKO on June 22, 2026.
- MSN coverage of Prime Day 2026 and associated consumer alerts.
- Federal Trade Commission guidance on online shopping scams.