Shop Smart This Prime Day and Father’s Day: Avoid Scams and Save Real Money
Father’s Day and Amazon Prime Day fall close together this summer, and analysts expect record online spending. That also means a surge in scams targeting shoppers who are hunting for deals. Fake discount codes, phishing emails that look like they come from major retailers, and counterfeit products are all more common during these peak periods. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect your money and personal information.
What Happened
According to a recent report from WRAL, consumer spending for Father’s Day and Prime Day is forecast to reach new highs this year. As more people shop online for gifts and bargains, scammers are stepping up their efforts. The same report notes that cybersecurity experts have already seen an increase in fraudulent websites and email campaigns designed to steal credit card numbers and login credentials. While the exact dollar amount of losses is not yet known, past years have shown that scam activity can double or triple during major shopping events.
Why It Matters
When you fall for a shopping scam, the immediate loss is often the money you paid for a product that never arrives or is a cheap counterfeit. But the damage can go further. Scammers frequently harvest personal information such as your address, phone number, and even your full credit card details, which can then be used for identity theft. For many families, the money spent on Father’s Day gifts or Prime Day deals is already budgeted, so losing it hurts. Moreover, dealing with fraud disputes, freezing accounts, and monitoring your credit takes time and stress that no one needs after a holiday.
What Readers Can Do
You don’t have to avoid shopping altogether. Here are practical steps to lower your risk:
1. Stick to official apps and websites
Instead of clicking a link in an email or social media ad, type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser or use the official app. Scammers create look-alike sites that can be nearly identical to Amazon or Walmart. Check the URL for subtle misspellings or extra characters.
2. Use a credit card, not a debit card
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection under federal law. If a scammer charges your credit card, you can dispute the transaction and typically get your money back. With a debit card, the money leaves your bank account immediately, and recovery can be slower and less certain.
3. Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true deals
If an advertised price is far below what you’d expect from a known brand, there’s a good chance it’s a scam or a counterfeit product. Legitimate sales rarely offer 90% off on popular electronics. Check the seller’s history and reviews before buying, especially on marketplace sites.
4. Watch for urgency and gift card requests
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency: “Limited stock – buy now!” or “This deal ends in one hour.” Another major red flag is any request to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Legitimate retailers never ask for these payment methods.
5. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Turn on 2FA on your Amazon account and any other shopping accounts. This adds an extra step when logging in, which can block scammers even if they steal your password.
6. Check for website security
Before entering payment information, look for “https://” at the start of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates the connection is encrypted. However, keep in mind that some fraudulent sites also have these symbols, so it’s just one layer of protection.
7. What to do if you suspect a scam
If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly:
- Contact your credit card issuer or bank to dispute the charge and request a new card.
- Change passwords on your shopping accounts and enable 2FA if you haven’t already.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Check your credit reports for any unauthorized accounts (you can get free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com).
Sources
- WRAL, “Father’s Day, Prime Day to bring record spending. Here’s how to shop smart, and avoid scams,” June 20, 2026.