Alert: Stay Scam-Free While Scoring the Best Deals on Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day is here, and with it comes an influx of deals, discounts, and unfortunately, scams. Experts are sounding the alarm for consumers to be extra vigilant during this high-traffic shopping event. Prime Day is a two-day discount extravaganza for Amazon Prime members, and it’s one of the biggest shopping events of the year. But it's also a prime time for scammers to pounce, with phony emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true deals.

Why Scammers Love Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day isn’t just a big deal for shoppers; it’s also a goldmine for scammers. Josh Planos, vice president of communications and public relations at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), points out that the sheer volume of transactions creates a huge opportunity for con artists. "This is a huge moment on the retail calendar," Planos says. "It represents an enormous opportunity for a scammer to capitalize on the moment and separate folks from their hard-earned money."

Common Scams to Watch Out For

The BBB and other experts warn about a variety of scams that tend to spike during major sales events like Prime Day. These include:

Phishing Emails and Texts: These are fraudulent messages that look like they’re from Amazon or other retailers, asking you to confirm an order or update your payment information. They often contain links to fake websites designed to steal your personal data.

Fake Websites: Scammers create websites that look nearly identical to Amazon’s, complete with the logo and similar product listings. Always double-check the URL before making a purchase.

Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Be wary of deals that seem unbelievably good. If the price is much lower than usual, it could be a scam to get your payment information.

Unsolicited Calls: Some scammers call, pretending to be from Amazon, claiming there’s an issue with your order or Prime membership. They’ll ask for your personal or payment information to "fix" the problem.

A Record Year for Phishing

The BBB reported a record number of phishing attempts in 2023, and the trend is continuing into this year. Cybersecurity company Check Point Software Technologies found that over 1,230 new websites associated with Amazon popped up in June alone, and many of these were malicious. Scott Knapp, Amazon’s director of worldwide buyer risk prevention, noted that Prime Day sees a spike in scams related to Prime membership and order confirmations.

Real-Life Examples

Last year, more than two-thirds of scams reported by Amazon customers were related to fake order or account issues. Scammers often send emails or make calls claiming there’s a problem with your Prime membership, asking for bank account or payment details to reinstate it. Another common tactic is sending a fake order confirmation for an expensive item, like a smartphone, and asking for payment information to cancel the order.

How Amazon is Fighting Back

Amazon is working hard to combat these scams. Knapp advises customers to confirm their purchases and verify messages from Amazon through the official app or website. Amazon has also increased its efforts to remove counterfeit products and fake reviews. In 2023, Amazon identified, seized, and appropriately disposed of more than 7 million counterfeit items.

Tips to Stay Safe

Experts recommend several strategies to avoid falling victim to scams:

Verify the Source: Always check the sender’s email address and the URL of any website you visit. Legitimate Amazon URLs will always start with "https://www.amazon.com".

Ignore Unsolicited Messages: Be cautious of any unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information. If in doubt, contact Amazon customer service directly through their website.

Look for Red Flags: Deals that seem too good to be true probably are. If a product is being sold for significantly less than its usual price, it could be a scam.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam, report it to Amazon and the Better Business Bureau. This helps protect other consumers.

Final Thoughts

While Prime Day is a great opportunity to snag some deals, it’s also a time to be extra cautious. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using tactics that look more convincing than ever. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can enjoy the sales without falling victim to fraud.

Remember, the best defense against scams is awareness. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious, trust your instincts, and always double-check before sharing personal information. Happy shopping, and stay safe!

References

(https://www.wral.com/story/amazon-prime-day-scammers-consumer-protection-5-on-your-side/21526041/)

(https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/amazon-prime-day-big-event-scammers-experts-warn-111979502)