BBB Scam Alert: Avoid online shopping scams this Prime Day
Pittsburgh, PA July 12, 2022 – Prime Day (July 12-13, 2022) has become a summer event and Amazon isn't the only retailer rolling out discounts. Walmart, Target, Kohl's and many other companies are running their own sales. More deals are great for consumers, and more people out shopping is great for businesses large and small. Just be careful and don't get so caught up in excitement that you fall for phishing scams, misleading advertisements and lookalike websites.
Scams to look out for:
Phishing scams that appear to come from a popular retailer: Phishing scams increase during busy shopping times, such as Prime Day or Black Friday. When you are making a lot of purchases, it's easy to lose track of exactly what you bought and where you shopped. That makes you more likely to fall for a phishing scam posing as a big name store.
• Look out for unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls. These messages may claim you have a free gift waiting for you or that there is a problem with a delivery – all you need to do is click on a link or give up your personal information. One recent phishing con claims to be Amazon calling to fix an issue with your account. This ruse is meant to get your credit card information, account login details, or remote access to your computer.
Beware of false advertising and phony websites:
When searching online or browsing social media, watch out for ads that point to scam websites. Con artists often create lookalike websites that, at first glance, appear to belong to a trusted retailer. But when you look more closely at the URL, you'll notice that the domain name is slightly different (i.e., Instead of Popularstore.com, the URL might be Popvlarstore.com or Popularstoreonline.com).
• Always make sure websites use the correct business name spelling and have legitimate contact information and customer service numbers. Also, use common sense when evaluating deals. If a company claims to be selling the hottest item of the year at a super low price, it's probably a con.
BBB provides the following tips for online shoppers seeking a “prime” online shopping deal:
• Beware of fake lookalike websites. When shopping online, check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research the age of the domain, search for contact information and read online reviews. Look for the “https'' in the URL (the extra “s” is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only “http.” It is NOT secure.
• Be careful purchasing sought-after products. If something is sold out everywhere, don't be tempted by a seemingly great deal. Scammers often trick shoppers by offering the most popular products at low prices. Remember that professional photos do not automatically mean something is a real offer either. Scammers often steal photos from other websites, so don't always believe what you see.
• Enable two-factor authentication for accounts whenever possible. For example, Amazon's Two-step Verification adds an extra layer of security by asking for a unique security code in addition to your password on computers and devices that haven't been designated as trusted.
• Recognize red flags in emails. Amazon will never require shoppers to provide their bank account details, Social Security numbers or other sensitive data through email. Beware of emails claiming to come from Amazon, but have a source other than @amazon.com. Verify a hyperlink's true identity prior to clicking and remember the safest way to access a website is by accessing it directly from your browser or a retailer's confirmed online app.
• Shop with a credit card. In case of a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protections; it's easier to dispute charges that you didn't approve. Debit cards, prepaid cards or gift cards don't have the same protections as a credit card. Be very wary of any retailer that asks you to pay by digital wallet apps, prepaid money cards or other non-traditional payment methods.
• Review seller return policies. When shopping online, be sure to take your time, and read the fine print before submitting your order. Look for the return policy; although many online orders can be returned for a full refund, others may have restocking fees or limit the time frame for returns. Some items cannot be returned; know before you buy because policies vary from seller to seller.
• After you buy, stay alert for scams. Scammers spoof various phone numbers and pretend to be Amazon support. Read how phony Amazon callers are phishing for your info.