Watch Out for These Online Shopping Scams Before Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day is coming in July, and with it, a flood of deals—and a predictable spike in online shopping scams. The Better Business Bureau issued a warning on June 22, 2026, urging shoppers to be extra cautious. Scammers know that when people are hunting for bargains, they lower their guard. Here’s what’s happening and how you can avoid losing money.

What Happened

The BBB published an alert ahead of Prime Day, noting an increase in fraudulent activity targeting online shoppers. Common tactics include phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon, fake websites that mimic the real store, and bogus customer support numbers. These scams are not new, but they get a seasonal boost during major sales events. The BBB warning specifically pointed out that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, often using official-looking logos and urgent language to trick consumers.

Why It Matters

For the average shopper, a fake deal can mean more than just a wasted purchase. Scammers aim to steal credit card numbers, login credentials, or even install malware on your device. The financial loss can range from a few dollars to hundreds, and recovering the money is often difficult. Since Amazon Prime Day attracts millions of shoppers, the potential victim pool is large. The timing is deliberate: people are more impulsive, more trusting of promotions, and more likely to click links in emails promising steep discounts.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to avoid Prime Day entirely, but a few simple precautions can keep you safe.

Recognize the Common Scams

  • Phishing emails: They claim there’s a problem with your account, an order confirmation you never made, or an exclusive deal. They often include a link that leads to a fake login page.
  • Fake websites: Scammers register domains that look like Amazon, such as “amaz0n-sale.com” or “amazon-prime-deals.net.” These sites may show real product images but take payment and never ship.
  • Fake customer support: If you search for Amazon customer service, you might find a paid ad with a toll-free number. The person on the other end will ask for your account details or payment information.

Spot the Red Flags

  • Unrealistic prices: A $500 TV for $50 is almost certainly a scam.
  • Urgency: “Limited time only,” “Only 3 left,” or “Act now” pressure you to skip careful review.
  • Unfamiliar URLs: Hover over any link before clicking. The domain should be “amazon.com” or a clear variant like “amazon.co.uk.” Watch for misspellings or extra words.
  • Requests for unusual payment: Scammers often ask for wire transfer, gift card numbers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate retailers accept credit cards.

Shop Safely

  • Use the official Amazon app or type amazon.com directly into your browser. Don’t click links from emails or social media.
  • Check the seller’s reputation if you’re buying from a third-party marketplace. Look at ratings and reviews, but be aware that fake reviews exist.
  • Use a credit card for purchases. Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards or prepaid cards.
  • Keep software and antivirus up to date on your devices.

If You Get Scammed

Act quickly. First, contact your bank or credit card issuer to report the charge and request a reversal if possible. Then, report the scam to:

  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB.org/ScamTracker)
  • The Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud.ftc.gov)
  • Amazon’s customer service if the scam involved a fake Amazon website or email

Even if you can’t recover the money, reporting helps track patterns and warn others.

Sources

  • BBB warning issued June 22, 2026, as reported by WBKO: “BBB warns of online shopping scams ahead of Amazon Prime Day” (June 22, 2026).
  • Amazon Prime Day 2026 launch details from MSN (June 23, 2026).

Stay alert, double-check before you click, and enjoy the real deals—not the traps.