Over 120,000 fake Amazon sites target shoppers ahead of Prime Day

As Amazon Prime Day approaches, millions of shoppers are gearing up to snag the best deals. However, cybercriminals are also gearing up, but not in the way you’d hope. Security researchers have uncovered over 120,000 fake Amazon websites that are designed to scam excited shoppers during the annual shopping event. These fake websites are filled with phishing traps, malware, and fake products, all created in the past two months in preparation for the Prime Day rush.

With sales set to begin on July 8 and run through July 11, the timing couldn’t be more sinister. The anticipation and urgency surrounding Prime Day make it a prime target for scammers. Cybercriminals know that shoppers are often in a hurry to grab deals before they sell out, which can lead to poor judgment and careless clicks.

Amazon is actively working to combat these threats, taking down over 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 phone numbers used in impersonation schemes in 2024. The company also partners with law enforcement agencies worldwide to ensure scammers are held accountable. Despite these efforts, the increasing pace of AI-amplified threats means that consumers need to be more vigilant than ever when shopping for deals.

To protect yourself from Amazon Prime Day scams, follow these top 10 tips:

1. Shop only through official Amazon channels and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
2. Never share account info over the phone, as Amazon will never ask for this information.
3. Be wary of gift card requests, as legitimate Amazon representatives will not request payment via gift cards.
4. Double-check website URLs for any spelling differences that may indicate a fake website.
5. Report suspicious activity to Amazon or the FTC.
6. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your Amazon account.
7. Keep your devices and apps updated to patch security vulnerabilities.
8. Avoid public Wi-Fi when shopping to reduce the risk of data interception.
9. Review your financial statements promptly after making purchases.
10. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true and verify product reviews and seller ratings.

By staying alert, verifying websites, and following safe shopping habits, you can protect yourself from Amazon Prime Day scams and still take advantage of the sales. Remember to pause, check, and think before you click to stay one step ahead of scammers. Stay informed and stay safe while enjoying the deals on Prime Day.