Spot These 6 Amazon Prime Day Scams Before You Click ‘Buy’

Amazon Prime Day—this year scheduled for mid-July—is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year. Unfortunately, it also brings a predictable surge in scams. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning: fraudsters are already ramping up their efforts to trick shoppers with fake deals, phishing emails, and counterfeit listings. Here’s what’s happening and, more importantly, how to keep your money and personal information safe.

What happened

The BBB’s warning, published in late June, highlights that scammers are capitalizing on the excitement around Prime Day. They create lookalike websites, send emails that appear to come from Amazon, and run fake social media giveaways—all designed to steal login credentials, credit card numbers, or outright take your money.

The warning is based on reports from consumers and the BBB’s Scam Tracker, which historically sees a spike in online shopping fraud during major sales events. While Amazon itself isn’t running the scams, its platform and brand are being used as bait.

Why it matters

The losses can add up fast. In 2025, consumers reported losing millions to online shopping scams, with the median loss per victim reaching several hundred dollars. More than just a financial hit, falling for a Prime Day scam can lead to identity theft, compromised email accounts, and unauthorized purchases made in your name.

Because Prime Day deals are time‑sensitive, shoppers tend to act quickly—exactly the behavior scammers exploit. A convincing pop‑up ad or a fake “order confirmation” email can easily trick someone into clicking a malicious link or handing over their payment details.

What readers can do: A practical checklist

The BBB recommends staying calm and following these steps before you click the “Buy” button.

1. Watch for fake pop‑up ads offering huge discounts
If an ad promises 90% off or a “free” high‑end gadget, it’s almost certainly a scam. Legitimate Prime Day discounts are typically 30–50% off on selected items. Close the pop‑up and navigate directly to Amazon.com instead of clicking the ad.

2. Scrutinize every email claiming to be from Amazon
Phishing emails often use urgent subject lines like “Your order has been canceled” or “Account suspended.” They may look identical to Amazon’s branding but the “From” address will be something like amazon‑support@random‑domain.com. Never click links inside the email; instead, go to Amazon’s website and check your account there.

3. Be skeptical of social media giveaways
Scammers post “We’re giving away $500 Amazon gift cards” on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. These often require you to click a link and enter your email, password, or even credit card details to “claim” the prize. Legitimate Amazon giveaways happen through official Amazon channels, not random influencer pages.

4. Hang up on fake customer support calls
You may get a call from someone claiming to be Amazon support, saying there’s a problem with your account or a suspicious order. They’ll ask for your password, a payment, or access to your computer. Amazon does not make unsolicited calls asking for sensitive information. If you get such a call, hang up and contact Amazon directly through its official support line.

5. Check the seller before buying from third‑party listings
Prime Day isn’t just Amazon itself—third‑party sellers also participate. Scammers list counterfeit or nonexistent products at low prices. Before you buy, look at the seller’s history, read recent negative reviews, and check if the product is marked “Fulfilled by Amazon.” If the reviews are all generic or obviously fake, shop elsewhere.

6. Use secure payment methods only
Always pay with a credit card or a payment service like PayPal that offers fraud protection. Never pay with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency—scammers almost always demand these because they’re nearly impossible to trace.

Stay vigilant, shop smart

Prime Day can be a legitimate way to save money on things you need. The key is to slow down, verify offers through official Amazon channels, and never share personal or financial information with an unsolicited message or call. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is—especially when scammers are counting on you to rush.

Sources

  • WBKO, “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day” (June 23, 2026)
  • BBB.org, Scam Tracker reports and alerts (accessed June 2026)
  • MSN, “Amazon Prime Day 2026 launches alongside major rival sales” (June 23, 2026)