'Beware of Scammers: Amazon Prime Day Brings Increased Risk, Experts Caution'

Money | July 16, 2024, 4:34 a.m.

As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, consumers are being warned to watch out for scams. Phishing attempts increase during major sales events like Prime Day, according to the Better Business Bureau. Reports of phishing are on the rise, with a record number reported in 2023. Additionally, Check Point Software Technologies found over 1,230 malicious websites related to Amazon in June. Amazon has seen scams related to Prime membership and order confirmations in the past, with scammers seeking payment information or sending malicious links. Experts warn that shopping scams evolve each year, becoming more sophisticated. Consumers are advised to verify messages from retailers, avoid giving financial information to unsolicited callers, and report scams to regulators. Beyond scams, consumers should also be wary of counterfeit products and fake reviews on trusted retailer sites. Amazon has taken steps to combat counterfeit products, but consumers should remain vigilant during Prime Day and other high spending periods.