Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Amazon Prime Day Scam - How to Protect Yourself
Amazon Prime Day Scam - How to Protect Yourself

During Amazon Prime Day, scammers capitalize on the shopping frenzy to target consumers through phishing, fake websites, and fraudulent delivery notices. Therefore, always log directly into the Amazon Homepage instead of clicking links in emails or texts.

To protect your personal data and money, be highly aware of these specific threats:

Common Prime Day Scams

  • Phishing & Smishing: Scammers send unsolicited texts or emails claiming an issue with your account, a problem with an order, or a fake package delivery. They urge you to click a link to a fake login page to steal your credentials.
  • Fake Deals & Domains: Cybercriminals register hundreds of lookalike Amazon websites to lure shoppers with unbelievable discounts. These sites collect your credit card info without ever sending the product.
  • Fake Refunds or Recalls: You may receive an email claiming a product you recently bought is recalled and you must click a link to claim your refund.
  • Fake Gift Cards: Scammers often offer "rewards" like $100 Amazon gift cards for signing up for fake shipping perks.

Best Practices to Shop Safely

  • Verify URLs: Always double-check the web address. Misspellings or strange domain extensions are a major red flag.
  • Never Use Risky Payment Methods: Scammers heavily rely on wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps, or gift cards because those funds are impossible to recover.
  • Use Credit Cards: Whenever possible, pay with a credit card instead of a debit card to ensure you have fraud protection and the ability to dispute charges.
  • Watch for "Fake Discounts": Some third-party sellers temporarily raise an item's list price right before the sale to make a regular-priced item look like a massive deal.
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