Amazon Prime Day is an annual two-day event for Prime customers to save with great deals on a wide range of products. While Amazon has not yet announced the 2023 dates at the time of this publishing, the sale traditionally happens in either late June or the middle of July
However, it's also a time when fraudsters take advantage of the increased online shopping activity. If you’re an Amazon Prime customer looking to protect yourself during Amazon Prime Day, here are some common scams to watch out for:
- Phishing emails:
Be cautious of emails claiming to be from Amazon, especially those requesting personal information or account details. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing any sensitive information to the sender. If you receive a suspicious email - either an order update, delivery service notification, or account activity - always go directly to the official Amazon website to verify any account-related notifications or email alerts.
- Counterfeit products:
Some sellers may try to pass off counterfeit or fake products as genuine. Avoid this by checking the seller's ratings and reviews. Purchase items from the official Amazon store or reputable and/or authorized sellers. Pay attention to the "sold by" information on product listings and check seller ratings and feedback.
- Fake reviews:
Scammers may artificially boost product ratings by posting fake positive reviews. Take time to read through a variety of reviews, looking for patterns or suspiciously similar language.
- Overpriced shipping:
Some selling scammers may offer incredibly low prices on products but significantly inflate shipping costs. Always review the total price, including shipping fees, before making a purchase.
- False promotions and limited stock:
Scammers may create a sense of urgency by claiming limited stock or time-limited deals. Take your time to research the product and compare prices before making a purchase. Don't feel pressured into buying something just because of a limited-time offer.
- Unsecured websites offering Prime Day and gift cards:
Be cautious when making purchases on external websites that claim to offer Prime Day deals. Avoid purchasing gift cards from unauthorized sellers or unfamiliar websites. Scammers may sell fake or already used gift cards. Stick to reputable sources for gift card purchases.
- Payment security:
Use secure payment methods like credit cards or reputable payment services. Avoid making payments with wire transfers or prepaid debit cards, as they offer limited fraud protection. Regularly monitor your credit card statements for any suspicious transactions.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams during Amazon Prime Day or any online shopping event. If you haven't already, experts recommend turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your Amazon account to add an extra layer of security.
As tempting as a good bargain may be, prioritize your security and take the time to verify the legitimacy of sellers and offers before making your Amazon Prime purchases. A good deal is great, but being protected from scammers is even better.
