Prime Day Deals Or Digital Danger? 120,000 Scam Sites Are Lurking Online. How You Can Stay Safe
Prime Day Sale Scams: As millions prepare to click ‘buy now,’ cybercriminals are also gearing up — using urgency, distraction, and increasingly sophisticated AI tools to trick shoppers
Prime Day Sale Scams: Amazon’s Prime Day sale, set to run from July 12 to 14 this year, promises major deals — but also major risks. Security researchers have uncovered a troubling surge in fraudulent activity ahead of the mega shopping event, with more than 120,000 fake Amazon websites popping up in just the past two months, as reported by Kurt Knutsson on Fox News. These scam sites are loaded with phishing traps, malware, and counterfeit product listings, all carefully timed to exploit the shopping frenzy.
As millions prepare to click ‘buy now,’ cybercriminals are also gearing up — using urgency, distraction, and increasingly sophisticated AI tools to trick even the savviest of shoppers.
Scams Are Smarter, Faster — & Powered By AI
Cybersecurity experts are warning that scams are no longer just sloppy copycat websites. They’re increasingly powered by AI, making them harder to spot and more dangerous. McAfee’s latest research highlights over 36,000 fake Amazon websites and 75,000 Prime Day-themed scam texts aimed at stealing personal and financial data.
The spike in online shopping this year has made India particularly vulnerable. A whopping 96% of Indians say they plan to shop during Prime Day 2025, and while most are aware of the risks, the sheer scale of scams — many crafted with AI-generated realism — is proving difficult to counter.
Amazon Fights Back, But Shoppers Must Stay Alert
While Amazon is actively working with global law enforcement to shut down scam operations — taking down over 55,000 phishing sites and 12,000 impersonation numbers in 2024 alone — there’s only so much the company can do. Many of these threats bypass filters and appear startlingly real. That means the responsibility of staying safe often falls on shoppers themselves.
Here’s how to avoid falling into the Prime Day scam trap:
1. Stick to official Amazon platforms
Always shop directly through Amazon’s official website or mobile app. Avoid clicking on deals sent via text messages, emails, or social media. Scammers often use fake URLs that mimic Amazon closely, such as “arnazon.com” or “amaz0n-sale.com.”
Take a moment to inspect links before entering any sensitive details.
2. Never share personal info over the phone
Amazon will never call you asking for account verification, passwords, or payment details.
Any unsolicited call demanding urgent action is likely a scam. Hang up immediately and report it.
3. Beware of gift card demands
If anyone asks you to buy an Amazon gift card and send the code — whether via call, email, or chat — it's a scam. No legitimate Amazon representative will ask for payment this way.
4. Arm your devices with antivirus protection
Scam links often carry hidden malware. A reliable antivirus solution can detect phishing attempts, block malicious downloads, and alert you to suspicious activity before damage is done.
5. Take a moment, don’t click in a rush
Scammers thrive on urgency. If something feels off — even if the deal seems too good to miss — pause and verify. Rushing through transactions is exactly what cybercriminals count on.
As the Prime Day rush heats up, so do scam operations. Staying safe is less about being tech-savvy and more about being alert, cautious, and one step ahead.
Top Headlines
