Before You Shop Prime Day: How to Spot Scams (BBB Warning)

Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, drawing in bargain hunters looking for steep discounts on everything from electronics to home goods. But the same excitement that drives sales also attracts scammers. This June 2026, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning about a surge in fraudulent schemes targeting shoppers during Prime Day and the competing sales that have launched alongside it.

What Happened

On June 22, 2026, the BBB released a consumer alert cautioning that scammers are ramping up efforts to trick deal-seekers. According to the alert, common tactics include:

  • Phishing emails that mimic Amazon. Criminals send messages claiming there is a problem with your order or offering an exclusive deal, with links that lead to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials.
  • Fake social media ads. Fraudsters run ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram promoting unbelievable discounts. Clicking the ad leads to a lookalike website that either collects your payment information or delivers counterfeit goods.
  • Copycat websites. Scammers register domains that are one letter off from Amazon (e.g., “amaz0n-prime.com”). These sites look convincing but are designed to capture your credit card details.
  • Fake customer support. After a purchase, you might receive a call or message claiming to be from Amazon support, asking for account verification or payment for a non-existent upgrade.

The BBB warning was picked up by local stations like WBKO, and the alert aligns with broader reports from news outlets such as MSN, which noted that Prime Day 2026 launched alongside major rival sales, creating a bigger-than-usual shopping window for scammers to exploit.

Why It Matters

Shopping scams are not new, but they spike during events like Prime Day because consumers are primed to click fast and think less. The FTC reported that in 2025, consumers lost over $1.8 billion to online shopping fraud, and the numbers continue to rise. Once scammers get your payment details or login information, they can make unauthorized purchases, drain bank accounts, or sell your data on the dark web.

For many shoppers, the convenience of one-click buying and the thrill of a deal can override caution. That is exactly what scammers count on. And because Prime Day deals are time-limited, the pressure to act quickly works in their favor.

What Readers Can Do

The BBB and security experts recommend several concrete steps to stay safe while still taking advantage of legitimate offers.

1. Shop directly on official apps and websites.
Type the URL yourself or use the official Amazon app. Do not click links in emails, social media posts, or text messages — even if they look real. If you get an email about an order problem, go directly to your Amazon account by opening a new browser tab.

2. Check the URL carefully.
Before entering any personal or payment information, look at the address bar. Legitimate Amazon pages will have “amazon.com” in the URL, followed by a clear path. Be wary of misspellings, extra words, or unusual top-level domains like “.shop” or “.deal.”

3. Use a credit card, not a debit card.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. If a scammer charges your card, you can dispute the charge with your bank. Debit cards draw directly from your checking account, and recovering the money can be much harder.

4. Enable purchase alerts.
Most banks and credit card issuers allow you to set alerts for any transaction over a certain amount. This gives you a chance to catch unauthorized purchases early.

5. Vet unfamiliar sellers.
If you are buying from a third-party seller on Amazon, check their ratings and read recent customer reviews. Be cautious if the seller has very few reviews or if all the reviews seem overly positive and generic.

6. Watch for payment red flags.
If a seller asks you to pay via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, it is almost certainly a scam. Legitimate retailers accept standard payment methods.

7. Confirm customer support numbers.
If you need help with an order, use the contact information on the official Amazon website. Do not call numbers from search ads or unsolicited emails — many of these lead to fake support agents.

What to do if you are scammed.
If you suspect you have given your information to a scammer:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze the card and dispute charges.
  • Change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication.
  • Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker) and the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov).
  • Monitor your accounts for unusual activity over the following weeks.

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