How to Spot Prime Day Scams: A BBB Warning and Practical Tips for Safe Shopping

Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, with millions of consumers hunting for deals. But in late June 2026, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning about a surge in scams targeting Prime Day shoppers. According to a report from WBKO, the BBB noted a sharp increase in phishing emails, fake retailer websites, and counterfeit product listings designed to trick bargain hunters. If you’re planning to take advantage of the sales, it pays to know what to look for before you click “buy.”

What Happened

The BBB’s warning came in the days leading up to Amazon Prime Day 2026, which officially launched alongside several major rival sales. Common schemes cited by the BBB include:

  • Phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon, often with urgent subject lines about account problems or exclusive deals that require you to log in via a link.
  • Fake “Amazon customer support” calls or texts claiming there’s a problem with your order or payment, asking for personal information or remote access to your device.
  • Social media ads promoting deep discounts on popular items, leading to counterfeit merchandise or nothing at all.
  • Spoofed websites that mimic Amazon or other retailers, often using URLs with small typos (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).

The BBB also warned that some scammers impersonate the BBB itself, sending fake complaints or violation notices that ask merchants to pay a fee to resolve the matter.

Why It Matters

Prime Day creates a perfect storm: high transaction volume, time‑limited deals, and excitement that can override normal caution. Shoppers are more likely to click quickly, share payment details, and skip verifying sellers. Scammers know this and ramp up their efforts accordingly. A single wrong click can lead to compromised credit cards, stolen identities, or lost money with little recourse. Because many of these scams rely on impersonation and urgency, even experienced online shoppers can be caught off guard.

What Readers Can Do

The BBB’s advice is straightforward, but it requires a deliberate pause before any purchase. Here are the practical steps to follow:

Know the red flags

  • Prices that seem too good to be true almost always are. A brand‑new laptop for $50? It’s a scam.
  • Unsolicited messages – emails, texts, or calls – that ask you to verify your account, reset a password, or provide payment information. Legitimate companies do not initiate contact this way for account issues.
  • URLs that look slightly off. Always check the address bar before entering any sensitive information.
  • Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. No reputable retailer uses these methods.

Shop smart

  • Use official apps or type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser. Do not rely on links from emails, social media, or search ads.
  • Stick to credit cards rather than debit cards for online purchases. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and make it easier to dispute charges.
  • Before buying from a third‑party seller on Amazon, check their ratings, review history, and how long they’ve been on the platform. New sellers with minimal reviews and unusually low prices are risky.
  • Enable two‑factor authentication on your Amazon account and email account to reduce the chance of account takeover.
  • If an offer requires you to act “now” or “limited time only,” take that as a cue to slow down and verify.

If you think you’ve been scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback.
  • Report the scam to the BBB at BBB.org/ScamTracker and to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • If it involves an Amazon impersonation, also report it to Amazon’s customer service and security team.
  • Monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized accounts or inquiries.

A note on BBB impersonation If you receive a communication that claims to be from the BBB and asks for payment or sensitive data, do not engage. The BBB does not send unsolicited violation notices or demand payment via email. You can forward such messages to the BBB’s scam tracking system.

Sources

  • “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day,” WBKO, June 22, 2026. News article

Prime Day deals can be genuine bargains, but the excitement is exactly what scammers feed on. By staying aware and following these steps, you can protect your wallet and your personal information. Shop safe, enjoy the sales, and if something feels off – trust that feeling.