Prime Day 2026: How to Spot Shopping Scams and Avoid Getting Duped

Introduction

Amazon Prime Day kicks off this week, and while shoppers are hunting for deals, scammers are hunting for victims. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day, as reported by WBKO. The BBB noted a surge in fraudulent activity targeting bargain hunters during major sales events. Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between scoring a real discount and losing money to a fake deal.

What Happened

On June 22, 2026, the BBB released an alert describing a spike in scam reports tied to Prime Day. According to the warning, scammers are using several tactics:

Fake websites that closely mimic Amazon and other major retailers. These sites often use URLs with slight misspellings (e.g., “amaz0n-prime-deals.com”) and offer steep discounts on popular items.
Phishing emails and texts that appear to come from Amazon, offering “exclusive early access” or “limited-time deals.” These messages typically contain links that lead to fraudulent login pages designed to steal credentials and payment information.
Counterfeit product listings on legitimate marketplaces, along with fake social media ads for electronics, clothing, and home goods that never arrive or are poor quality fakes.
“Too good to be true” giveaway scams on social media, where accounts impersonate Amazon or well-known brands and ask users to share personal details or pay a small “shipping fee” to claim a prize.

The full BBB report can be found on the WBKO website and the BBB’s own scam tracker, where consumers can also file complaints.

Why It Matters

The timing is no accident. During events like Prime Day, people feel pressure to act quickly before deals expire. Scammers exploit that urgency. According to BBB data, consumers lose millions of dollars each year to online shopping scams, and the median loss per victim often exceeds $100. Beyond financial loss, victims may also have their credit card numbers, addresses, and other personal data stolen, leading to identity theft.

Many shoppers assume that if a site looks professional or an email has the right logos, it must be legitimate. But scammers invest heavily in making their traps look convincing. The BBB warning serves as a reminder that caution is not optional—it’s necessary, especially when deals are everywhere.

What Readers Can Do

Here are concrete steps to protect yourself before clicking “buy”:

Check the URL before you enter payment or login details. Look for the correct domain (amazon.com, not a variation). If you’re unsure, type the address manually instead of clicking a link.
Use official apps and websites. Download Amazon’s app from your phone’s official app store. Avoid using links from emails, texts, or social media to reach a shopping site.
Research the seller. If you’re buying from a third-party seller, check their ratings and read recent reviews. Be wary of sellers with few reviews or those that only list high-demand items at huge discounts.
Pay with a credit card or a trusted payment service. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers. Services like PayPal can also provide dispute resolution.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account. This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password gets compromised.
Ignore unsolicited emails and texts about “exclusive” Prime Day deals. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Go directly to Amazon’s website to see real deals.
If you suspect a scam, report it. File a complaint with the BBB’s Scam Tracker and with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you entered payment information, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to freeze the card and dispute unauthorized charges.

Sources

WBKO report: “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day” (June 22, 2026)
Better Business Bureau scam alert (June 2026)
Federal Trade Commission guidance on online shopping scams