Shop Safe on Prime Day: 5 Online Shopping Scams to Watch For
Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year. That also makes it one of the busiest times for scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning ahead of this year’s Prime Day, reminding shoppers that fake deals, lookalike websites, and phishing emails tend to spike during the event.
Here’s what you need to know—and what you can do to avoid getting ripped off.
What happened
The BBB issued a reminder in late June 2026 that scammers often target bargain hunters during major sales like Prime Day. The organization noted a pattern of fraud that includes counterfeit websites that mimic Amazon, unsolicited emails claiming to offer early access or exclusive discounts, and social media ads that lead to fake storefronts. The warning is based on consumer reports from previous years, not a single new incident, but it serves as a timely heads-up.
Why it matters
When you’re in a hurry to snag a deal, it’s easy to overlook warning signs. Scammers rely on that urgency. A fake site might look nearly identical to Amazon’s, with a slightly misspelled URL like “amaz0n-deals.com” instead of “amazon.com.” Phishing emails often use official logos and language that sounds legitimate—until you notice the sender’s address is something like “[email protected].”
The consequences go beyond a wasted purchase. Entering personal and payment information on a fraudulent site can lead to identity theft or unauthorized charges. The BBB says many victims don’t realize they’ve been scammed until the package doesn’t arrive or their credit card bill shows charges they didn’t make.
What readers can do
You don’t need to avoid Prime Day altogether. A few straightforward habits can significantly reduce your risk:
Shop directly on Amazon’s website or app. Don’t click links from emails, social media posts, or text messages that claim to offer Prime Day deals. Type “amazon.com” into your browser manually. If a deal is real, you’ll find it on the official site.
Check the URL carefully. Before entering any payment information, look at the address bar. Scammers register domains that are easy to misread—like “amaz0n” (with a zero) or “amzon.” Also make sure the site uses HTTPS (the padlock icon), though that alone is not a guarantee of safety—many fake sites now use HTTPS too.
Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. If a scammer gets your debit card number, they can drain your bank account. With a credit card, you can dispute the charge and the money isn’t gone immediately.
Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account. This adds an extra step when logging in, so even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t access your account without the second factor (usually a code sent to your phone).
Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true. A 90% discount on a popular electronics item is almost certainly a scam. Compare prices with other retailers, and check the seller’s rating on Amazon before buying from a third-party seller.
Ignore urgent language. Emails that say “24-hour exclusive access” or “only 5 left at this price” are often phishing attempts. Legitimate Amazon promotions appear in your account or on the site, not in emails that ask you to click and log in.
Recognizing common scams
Beyond the general advice, here are three specific scam types to watch for:
Phishing emails claiming to be from Amazon. They may ask you to “verify your account” or “confirm a payment method.” Do not click any links. Instead, log into your Amazon account directly and check for messages there.
Fake social media ads. Scammers run ads on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok that lead to landing pages selling popular items at steep discounts. The page might look professional, but it’s a copy. Buyers either receive a counterfeit product or nothing at all.
Lookalike websites. These can show up in search results when you search for “Prime Day deals” or a specific product. The site may have a similar layout to Amazon but a different domain. Always verify you’re on the real site before entering any info.
Bottom line
Prime Day deals are real, but they come with a side of scams. The BBB warning is not alarmist—it’s a practical reminder based on years of consumer complaints. By shopping carefully, double-checking URLs, and ignoring unsolicited offers, you can find genuine bargains without inviting fraud.
Sources: Better Business Bureau (BBB) public warning, June 2026; WBKO reporting on BBB advisory.