As Amazon Prime Day kicks off, experts are issuing warnings about the prevalence of scams targeting online shoppers. The Better Business Bureau has highlighted that significant sales events, such as Prime Day, often attract phishing attempts and fraudulent activities, according to a report by AP.
Amazon Prime Day is an annual shopping event created by the e-commerce giant Amazon. It is a two-day sales extravaganza where Amazon offers a wide range of discounts and deals on various products to its Prime members. Prime Day typically takes place in July, although the specific date can vary from year to year.
During Prime Day, Prime members have the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive discounts on a wide array of items.
RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 21: The Amazon Prime logo is displayed on the side of an Amazon delivery truck on June 21, 2023, in Richmond, California.
Discount Extravaganza
According to Josh Planos, the Vice President of Communications and Public Relations at the Better Business Bureau, scammers view these events as an opportunity to deceive consumers and exploit their finances.
The two-day discount extravaganza, starting on Tuesday and running through Wednesday, draws attention from both legitimate buyers and scammers.
The Better Business Bureau recently published guidelines advising consumers to remain vigilant against lookalike websites, deceptive social media advertisements, unsolicited emails or calls, and other suspicious activities surrounding Prime Day and other sales events throughout the month.
Identified by Scott Knapp, the director of worldwide buyer risk prevention at Amazon, two prevalent scams that have been observed during past Prime Days include hoaxes related to Prime membership and fraud involving order confirmations.
Instances have been reported where individuals received unsolicited communications, such as calls or emails, falsely alleging problems with their Prime membership.
Subsequently, these scammers requested sensitive payment details, such as credit card information, and occasionally login credentials. Knapp stressed that trustworthy companies like Amazon would never solicit such sensitive information in that manner.
Another scam tactic involves urging consumers to confirm orders they did not place. Scammers may choose high-value items, like smartphones, to capture attention and then proceed to ask for payment information or send malicious links.
Knapp noted that scammers often attempt to exploit the widespread recognition of the Amazon brand for their illicit activities.
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Shopping with Caution
While specific scams for this year's Prime Day are yet to be identified, experts stress that scams tend to persist with minor variations. Fake delivery scams, email phishing, and other forms of deception remain prevalent tactics employed by scammers to extract personal and payment information from unsuspecting consumers.
Nevertheless, it is imperative to recognize that online scams are consistently evolving, becoming more sophisticated over time.
Experts like Planos caution that scammers are becoming increasingly skilled at producing visually authentic images, composing persuasive text messages, and constructing counterfeit websites that closely mimic genuine online shopping platforms.
They also caution against succumbing to pressure from scammers who insist on immediate action. Taking a moment to pause and trust one's instincts is crucial. Consumers are encouraged to report any scams they encounter to the appropriate regulatory authorities.
By remaining vigilant and informed, shoppers can navigate Prime Day and other online shopping experiences while protecting themselves from potential scams.
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