Prime Day Shopping? Here’s How to Spot Fake Deals and Stay Safe

Intro

Prime Day has become one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, but that surge in traffic also draws a predictable crowd: scammers. Every major sales period—Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day—sees a spike in phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent sellers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consistently warns that these high-traffic windows are when criminals are most active.

If you plan to take advantage of the discounts, a little preparation can save you from losing money or having your personal information stolen. Below are nine practical steps to keep your shopping secure, based on advice from cybersecurity experts and consumer protection agencies.

What happened

During Prime Day and similar sales events, scammers ramp up efforts to mimic legitimate retailers. Common tactics include sending emails or text messages that appear to come from Amazon (or another retailer) with “exclusive deals,” creating look-alike websites that closely resemble the real store, and offering prices that are too good to be true. Many of these scams aim to harvest credit card numbers, login credentials, or other personal data.

The Better Business Bureau and the FTC both issue annual alerts around these events, noting that reports of shopping-related fraud tend to increase. In 2023, the FTC received over 380,000 complaints about online shopping scams, with total losses exceeding $4.6 billion nationally. While not all of those occur during Prime Day, the pattern is clear: criminals follow the money.

Why it matters

Online shopping scams are not just about losing a few dollars on a fake product. They can lead to identity theft, unauthorized charges on your accounts, and even fraudulent loans or credit cards opened in your name. Once a scammer has your email address, address, and financial details, the damage can take months to undo.

Moreover, during a sale like Prime Day, the urgency and excitement can make even cautious shoppers click faster than they should. Scammers count on that pressure. Understanding the specific warning signs can help you pause and verify before you pay.

What readers can do

Here are nine guidelines to follow—not just during Prime Day but for any online purchase, especially during high-traffic sales.

1. Verify the seller and website before buying

If you’re shopping on Amazon or another marketplace, click through to the seller’s profile. Check their rating, how long they’ve been active, and whether they have recent negative reviews about not shipping or sending counterfeit goods. On a standalone website, look for contact information and an “About Us” page that seems legitimate. A quick search for the store name plus “scam” can reveal red flags.

2. Treat unsolicited emails and texts with suspicion

An email that says “Your Prime Day deal is waiting” but comes from an address like [email protected] is a phishing attempt. Never click links in these messages. Instead, open your browser and go directly to the retailer’s official website or app. Legitimate retailers will not ask you to verify your account or payment details via email.

3. Use credit cards or payment services with buyer protection

Credit cards offer stronger fraud protections than debit cards or bank transfers. Payment services like PayPal or Apple Pay also provide dispute resolution in many cases. Avoid wiring money, using gift cards, or paying through apps that do not offer purchase protection—these are common requests from scammers.

4. Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions

Public networks in coffee shops, airports, or hotels are not secure. A determined attacker on the same network can intercept data you send, including credit card numbers. If you must shop on mobile, use your cellular data or a trusted VPN.

5. Check for HTTPS and the padlock icon

Before entering any payment information, confirm that the website URL starts with “https://” and shows a padlock symbol in the address bar. This means the connection is encrypted. However, note that a padlock alone does not guarantee the site is legitimate—scammers can also get SSL certificates. It’s one check among many.

6. Set transaction alerts and monitor your accounts

Enable real-time alerts for purchases over a certain amount on your credit card or bank account. That way, if a small test charge appears (scammers often start with a small amount to see if the card works), you catch it early. Check your statements within a few days of Prime Day and report any unfamiliar charges immediately.

7. Enable two-factor authentication on shopping accounts

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security. Even if a scammer steals your password, they cannot log in without the second factor—usually a code sent to your phone. Most major retailers, including Amazon, offer 2FA in their account settings.

8. Research unknown brands and read reviews

Scammers often create fake product listings with generic brand names and a handful of five-star reviews that look suspiciously similar. Use a review checker tool (like Fakespot or ReviewMeta) to analyze whether the reviews are genuine. If a deal on a big-ticket item comes from a brand you have never heard of, proceed with caution.

9. Know the return and refund policies before you pay

Legitimate stores have clear policies; scammers either hide them or promise unrealistic terms. Read the refund and return section carefully. If the seller asks you to pay for return shipping without a refund, or if the only way to contact them is through a form on their site, that is a warning sign.

Conclusion

Prime Day can offer genuine savings, but it also demands extra caution. By verifying sellers, sticking to secure payment methods, and staying skeptical of unsolicited offers, you can reduce your risk. If you do fall victim to a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. A few minutes of prevention now can save you hours of frustration later.

Sources

  • Federal Trade Commission, “Consumer Protection Data Spotlight” (2023)
  • Better Business Bureau, “BBB Scam Tracker Risk Reports”
  • PCMag, “Stay Safe This Prime Day: 9 Crucial Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams” (republished on Yahoo Tech)
  • FTC, “How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams”