Prime Day Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot and Avoid Them

Amazon Prime Day is a magnet for bargain hunters, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued its annual warning ahead of this year’s event, reminding shoppers that the surge in deals also brings a flood of fake websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit goods. A recent report from WBKO (June 22, 2026) details the BBB’s specific concerns and recommendations. If you plan to shop the sales, a few practical precautions can save you both money and your personal information.

What happened

The BBB warns that scammers ramp up their efforts during major shopping events, and this Prime Day is no different. Phishing emails impersonating Amazon or other retailers often include links to fake “deals” that lead to credential-harvesting pages. Fraudsters also set up lookalike websites with URLs that differ from the real store by just one letter or symbol. On marketplace platforms like Amazon, some sellers list counterfeit items or products that never ship. The BBB’s alert, covered by WBKO, highlights these patterns and urges consumers to stay vigilant.

Why it matters

A single click on a phishing link or a purchase from an unknown seller can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or a credit card used fraudulently. The Federal Trade Commission reported that online shopping scams were the second most common fraud category in 2025, with median losses of more than $100 per incident. Prime Day’s time-limited discounts create a sense of urgency that scammers exploit, making it easier to overlook red flags.

What you can do

Based on the BBB’s guidance and longstanding consumer protection advice, here are concrete steps to protect yourself this Prime Day:

  • Stick to known sellers. On Amazon, check the “Sold by” info. If the seller has few ratings or a suspicious name, consider buying elsewhere. The same applies to third-party marketplaces.

  • Verify the website URL. Hover over links before clicking. Phishing emails often use addresses like “arnazon-deals.com” instead of “amazon.com.” If you’re unsure, type the URL directly into your browser.

  • Use a credit card or payment service. Credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protections than debit cards or bank transfers. Services like PayPal’s buyer protection can also help.

  • Watch for pressure tactics. Legitimate deals might sell out, but scammers will tell you “limited time only” to rush you into a bad decision. Take ten seconds to double-check the offer.

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Amazon account and email. This adds an extra layer of security if a scammer obtains your password.

  • Report suspicious emails or listings. Forward phishing emails to the BBB’s Scam Tracker or report them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps warn others.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you realize you’ve fallen for a scam, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the transaction and change your passwords immediately. Then report the incident to the BBB’s Scam Tracker and the FTC. The BBB recommends keeping records of all communications and receipts, as those details can help investigators.

Prime Day can still be a great opportunity to save money, but a little skepticism goes a long way. The warnings from the BBB and news outlets like WBKO are worth heeding. Shop carefully, verify before you buy, and protect your information—your wallet and your identity will thank you.

Sources

  • WBKO report on BBB warning (June 22, 2026)
  • Federal Trade Commission fraud data (2025)
  • Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker resources