Jul 11, 2023
Amazon Prime Day and other retailers' summer sales are upon us. Some great deals can be found during these "shopping holidays," but they're also prone to scams.
Do your research before you add an item to your cart, warns the Better Business Bureau. You should also watch out for scammers who might send you emails or texts pretending to be from Amazon or another retailer.
During these online shopping sales, the BBB offers these tips for staying safe:
- Beware of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls - In these messages, you may be offered a gift or told there is a delivery issue; you only need to click a link or provide some personal information. Before clicking, ensure you know what you've opted in to and out of.
- Watch out for social media ads leading to lookalike websites - At first glance, a lookalike website may appear to belong to a trusted retailer. However, looking closely at the URL, you'll notice that the domain name is slightly different. Verify that websites use the correct spelling of business names and have legitimate contact information and customer service numbers.
- Ensure that the website is secure - On the address bar, look for "HTTPS" in the URL (the extra "s" means "secure"). You should never enter payment or personal information into a website that only uses HTTP.
- Purchase sought-after products with caution - Don't be tempted by a seemingly great deal if something is sold out everywhere. The most popular products are often offered at low prices by scammers.
- Use a credit card to pay - You should always use your credit card when making online purchases. Any shady charges can be challenged through your credit card company if they occur later. Be very wary of any retailer that asks you to pay by digital wallet apps, prepaid money cards, or other non-traditional payment methods.
Have fun during these shopping holidays, but stay vigilant and watch for thieves and scams.
