Watch Out for These Online Shopping Scams Before Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day is one of the biggest online shopping events of the year, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a surge in shopping-related scams leading up to the event. Whether you’re hunting for electronics, home goods, or clothing, it pays to know how fraudsters operate so you don’t end up losing money or personal data.

What Happened

The BBB alert, reported by local outlets including WBKO, highlights that scammers are ramping up fake websites, phishing emails, and social media ads that mimic legitimate retailers. These scams often promise deals that seem too good to pass up—steep discounts on popular items, early access to Prime Day sales, or limited-time offers that require immediate action.

Some common tactics include:

  • Fake retailer websites that look nearly identical to Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart, often with URLs that are off by one character.
  • Phishing emails that appear to come from Amazon or other retailers, asking you to click a link to confirm a payment or claim a reward.
  • Social media ads that lead to counterfeit storefronts, especially on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
  • Offers that require payment via gift cards or wire transfer, which are nearly impossible to trace or reverse.

Why It Matters

Shopping scams don’t just waste your money—they can also expose your credit card numbers, home address, and other personal information. According to the FTC, online shopping fraud was the most reported type of consumer scam in recent years, and major sales events see a clear spike in complaints. A single successful scam can also lead to follow-up attacks if your email or account details are harvested.

The “too good to be true” deal is the oldest trick in the book, but during Prime Day pressure—when people are moving fast to grab limited stock—it’s especially easy to click first and think later. The BBB warns that many of these fake sites disappear shortly after collecting payments, leaving victims with no way to get a refund.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to avoid shopping altogether. A few straightforward habits will keep you safe:

  • Stick to official apps and websites. Type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser rather than clicking links in emails or ads. Bookmark the real addresses.
  • Check the URL carefully. Look for misspellings, extra words, or odd domain endings like “.shop” or “.biz” instead of “.com.”
  • Use a credit card or a payment service with buyer protection (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.). Avoid debit cards and never pay with gift cards or wire transfers.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account and any other shopping accounts. This makes it harder for scammers to hijack your login if your password gets stolen.
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited deals. If you didn’t subscribe to a retailer’s newsletter or follow them on social media, a “limited-time offer” arriving in your inbox is likely a phishing attempt.
  • If a deal seems impossibly cheap, it probably is. Cross-check prices on the actual retailer’s site and read reviews before buying from an unfamiliar store.

What to Do If You Get Scammed

If you realize you’ve fallen for a shopping scam, act quickly:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. They may be able to stop the transaction or reverse a charge.
  2. Report the scam to the BBB via their Scam Tracker, and file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  3. Change your passwords for any accounts you used on the fake site.
  4. Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges in the coming weeks.

In the end, a cautious click is better than a costly mistake. Prime Day is a great time to save money, but only if you keep your guard up. Shop smart, verify everything, and you’ll likely come out ahead—without any unwanted surprises.

Sources: BBB Scam Tracker, FTC Consumer Advice, WBKO reporting on BBB warning (June 2026).