Shopping Smart This Father’s Day and Prime Day: How to Avoid Scams

With Father’s Day and Amazon Prime Day just around the corner, retailers are gearing up for what’s expected to be record spending. But scammers are gearing up too. Here’s what’s happening and how you can keep your money safe while still snagging good deals.

What Happened

According to a recent WRAL report, shoppers are projected to spend more than ever this Father’s Day and Prime Day season. The same report notes that scams historically spike during high‑volume sales events like Prime Day. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) logged more than 2.4 million fraud reports in 2023 alone, with online shopping scams consistently ranking among the top categories.

Common threats include phishing emails that look like order confirmations or “exclusive” offers, fake social media ads promising steep discounts, counterfeit products sold by third‑party sellers, and text messages claiming you’ve won a gift card or need to update your payment information. These scams aim to steal your credit card details, login credentials, or personal information.

Why It Matters

When you’re rushing to find the perfect gift or the best deal, it’s easy to click first and think later. A single bad link or a too‑good‑to‑be‑true offer can cost you real money and compromise your identity. Once scammers have your data, they can open accounts in your name, drain your bank account, or sell your information to other criminals. The financial and emotional fallout can last far longer than any sale.

The stakes are higher during events like Father’s Day and Prime Day because everyone is expecting deals, making fraudulent offers blend in more easily. Shoppers who aren’t cautious can lose not only their purchase but also the privacy of their financial and personal information.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to skip the sales to stay safe. A few straightforward habits can make a big difference.

Before You Click

  • Stick to known retailers. When you see a deal on social media or in an email, go directly to the retailer’s website rather than clicking the link. Type the address yourself or use a saved bookmark. Phishing emails often mimic the look of a real store, but the link takes you to a fake site.
  • Check the URL. Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. While that alone doesn’t guarantee legitimacy, a missing padlock is a red flag. (Be aware that some phishing sites also use HTTPS, so it’s not a foolproof test.)
  • Verify the seller. On marketplaces like Amazon, check the seller’s ratings and history. Scammers often create new seller accounts to list popular items at very low prices, then disappear after taking orders.
  • Be skeptical of too‑good‑to‑be‑true offers. If a $200 item is listed for $30, something is likely wrong. That goes for product prices as well as gift card or lottery‑style offers. Legitimate deals rarely involve urgency like “only one left – buy now.”

While You Shop

  • Use secure payment methods. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Payment services like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay add an extra layer between your financial details and the seller. Avoid using direct bank transfers or prepaid gift cards, which are hard to recover.
  • Avoid public Wi‑Fi for purchases. Free networks at coffee shops, airports, or hotels can be intercepted. If you must shop on the go, use your phone’s cellular data or a trusted VPN.
  • Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on your shopping accounts. This prevents scammers from logging in even if they get your password. Most major retailers now offer 2FA.

After You Buy

  • Save all receipts and order confirmations. Keep copies of emails, payment confirmations, and shipping details – not just for returns but also to dispute any charges.
  • Track your packages. Thieves sometimes target packages left on doorsteps. Use delivery tracking and, if possible, have packages delivered to a secure location or a locker.
  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements. Check for any small or unfamiliar charges in the days and weeks after shopping. Report anything suspicious to your bank or card issuer immediately.
  • Report scams. If you encounter a fraudulent ad, email, or seller, you can file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/ScamTracker. This helps alert others.

Sources

  • WRAL, “Father’s Day, Prime Day to bring record spending. Here’s how to shop smart, and avoid scams” – June 19, 2026
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023” (published 2024)
  • Better Business Bureau, “Scam Tracker” annual reports

The bottom line: you can take advantage of seasonal sales without getting ripped off, as long as you stay alert. A few minutes of caution now can save you hours of hassle later.