As Amazon Prime Day approaches, excitement builds for the exclusive deals and discounts that await eager shoppers. However, amidst the frenzy of online shopping, scammers are also eagerly waiting to take advantage of the increased shopping activity. To ensure a safe and enjoyable Prime Day shopping experience, it is essential to stay informed about the most common Amazon Prime Day scams that target unsuspecting shoppers.

5 Common Amazon Prime Day Scams

Surrounding the hype of Amazon Prime Day, scammers will take advantage of the increased shopping activity to defraud unsuspecting customers. Here are some common scams to be aware of if you plan to shop on Amazon Prime Day:

Account Verification Scams

Scammers may send fraudulent emails, text messages or social media messages that appear to be from Amazon, claiming that your account needs verification due to a security breach or suspicious activity. These messages will often provide a link for you to click and enter your account credentials. However, these links lead to fake websites where scammers collect your login information. Remember, Amazon will never ask you to verify your account information through email.

Fake Deals and Websites

Scammers create counterfeit websites that mimic the appearance of Amazon or use similar domain names to deceive shoppers. They may send phishing emails with enticing deals or exclusive discounts to lure customers into visiting these fake sites and making purchases. Always double-check the URL to ensure you are on the official Amazon website before making a purchase.

Counterfeit Products

Some sellers may list counterfeit or fake products on Amazon, particularly during high-demand events like Prime Day. Some sellers may even manipulate reviews to make their products appear more legitimate or desirable. When considering a product, look closely at reviews, check the seller’s ratings and history, and be cautious of extremely low prices that seem too good to be true.

Order Confirmation Scams

Scammers send emails pretending to be Amazon, informing you of an order you didn’t place or a problem with an existing order. The email may contain a link to cancel or review the order, leading you to a fraudulent website that aims to steal your personal information. If you receive such an email, go directly to Amazon’s official website and check your orders there instead of clicking on any links in the email.

Delivery Scams

Scammers may send fake shipping notifications or impersonate delivery services to obtain personal information or payment details. The message may provide you with a link to track your Prime Day order. However, clicking on the link may lead you to a fake website that aims to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware. 

Alternatively, scammers may claim there was an issue with your Prime Day delivery and request personal information or even ask for a payment to resolve the problem. Always verify the legitimacy of shipping notification by directly logging into your Amazon account or using official tracking tools from reputable delivery services.

Protect Yourself from Amazon Prime Day Scams

By taking the following precautions, you can navigate Prime Day with confidence and security, and safeguard yourself from potential risks.

• Instead of clicking on links in emails or text messages, manually type “www.amazon.com” into your browser’s address bar or use the official Amazon app to access your account.
• Enable multi-factor authentication for your Amazon account.
• Only make purchases on Amazon’s official website or through trusted sellers.
• Read product descriptions carefully. Pay attention to details, specifications, and any disclaimers mentioned in the product description.
• Pay close attention to the product’s reviews. Proceed with caution if the reviews seem overwhelmingly positive without any negative feedback.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages or phone calls regarding your Prime Day purchases or delivery. Be particularly skeptical if they ask for personal information or payment details.
• Contact Amazon directly. If you receive suspicious communication regarding claiming to be Amazon, independently look up Amazon’s customer support contact information and get in touch with them to verify.
• Regularly monitor your Amazon account and bank statements for any unauthorized activity.

Key Takeaways

It’s important to stay vigilant and exercise caution when shopping online, especially during events like Amazon Prime Day. Amazon will never ask for your personal information or login credentials via emails, text messages or social media messages. Stay vigilant, and if something feels off or suspicious, trust your instincts and verify independently before taking any action.