Amazon remains one of the most frequently impersonated companies by scammers
With Amazon Prime Days (Tuesday, June 23 through Friday, June 26) attracting millions of bargain hunters, scammers once again are preparing to exploit one of the largest online shopping events of the year.
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be on high alert for fake websites, fraudulent social media advertisements, phishing emails, deceptive text messages, and bogus offers designed to steal money and personal information.
“Con artists capitalize on excitement, urgency, and the promise of big savings,” says Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Scammers know consumers are actively searching for deals, and they create convincing schemes to separate people from their money and sensitive information.”
Online shopping scams continue to be among the most frequently reported frauds to BBB Scam Tracker. In 2025, online purchase scams nationwide accounted for roughly 30% of reports submitted to BBB Scam Tracker. Nearly 90% of victims said they lost money.
The Federal Trade Commission says scams originating on social media generated roughly $2.1 billion in reported losses in 2025. Shopping scams were among the most common frauds initiated through social media advertisements and posts that directed consumers to fraudulent websites.
Amazon remains one of the most frequently impersonated companies by scammers, according to FTC data. Criminals routinely pose as Amazon representatives through emails, texts, phone calls, and websites designed to appear legitimate.
“Be especially cautious of unsolicited messages claiming there is a problem with your Amazon account, an issue with a delivery, or an exclusive Prime Days offer,” Bernas says. “Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to get consumers to click links, disclose personal information, or provide payment details.”
Consumers also should be wary of fake invitations to special promotions, counterfeit Amazon customer service numbers, and fraudulent websites that advertise popular products at deeply discounted prices.
Cybersecurity researchers reported that ahead of a major Amazon sales event in 2025, criminals created more than 120,000 malicious websites designed to steal passwords, financial information, and personal data from shoppers seeking deals.
Common Prime Days scams
• Fake Amazon order confirmations requesting account verification
• Bogus delivery problem notifications
• Counterfeit websites offering unrealistic discounts
• Fraudulent social media advertisements
• Fake customer service representatives seeking account access
• Phony Prime membership renewals or cancellation notices
BBB tips to avoid Prime Days scams
Research businesses before buying. Visit BBB.org to review business profiles, ratings, and customer reviews.
Verify website addresses carefully. Scammers often use website addresses that closely resemble legitimate retailers.
Look for secure websites. Ensure the web address begins with “https://” and displays a lock icon.
Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true. Deep discounts on hard-to-find products are often a red flag.
Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or text messages. Instead, log in to your Amazon account directly through the Amazon app or website.
Use a credit card for purchases. Credit cards typically provide stronger fraud protections than debit cards or alternative payment methods.
Watch for social media shopping scams. Many fraudulent ads on social media direct consumers to fake websites selling counterfeit or nonexistent products.
Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer payment apps, especially when purchasing from unfamiliar sellers. These payment methods are favorites of scammers because they are difficult to recover.
Retrieve delivered packages promptly. Porch pirates often target unattended deliveries during major shopping events.
If you've encountered a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Visit BBB.org or follow @ChicagoBBB on social media. Look for the BBB seal, The Sign of a Better Business.