Security researchers are warning bargain-hunting shoppers to be on the lookout for scams this upcoming Amazon Prime Day. Check Point said that in June alone, it recorded more than 1000 domains with names resembling “Amazon.” A staggering eighty-seven percent of these domains have been flagged by the security company as malicious or suspicious. The security vendor warned that big-name online events like Prime Day are a huge magnet for many fraudsters. These criminals tend to target their victims via fake phishing sites impersonating Amazon and also through phishing emails.
The fake websites are typically created to steal legitimate Amazon logins and other very sensitive personal information.
This could lead to unauthorized purchases, identity theft, or even the fraudulent abuse of Amazon gift cards. Check Point added that the phishing emails are often designed to create a sense of urgency in the recipient. They do this by claiming “refund errors” or other “account issues” that require the user’s immediate attention. Researchers recently intercepted a phishing campaign that was spoofing Amazon with the subject line “Refund Due – Amazon System Error.”
When Prime Day lands tomorrow, July 8th, consumers are urged to plan their purchases very carefully. They should only visit Amazon’s official website or use its mobile application directly to find the best deals. You should avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails that are claiming to be from Amazon about your account. Always check URLs, only use websites with HTTPS, and don’t trust offers that seem too good to be true. Use strong passwords, switch on two-factor authentication, and consider using safe payment options like virtual credit cards.
Cyber threats around Prime Day are no accident; they’re calculated, large-scale campaigns designed to exploit consumer behavior.
Awareness and prevention are powerful defenses that can be used by all shoppers to protect themselves from these scams. With the right tools and good habits, shoppers can enjoy all the deals without falling for the bait. This is a crucial reminder for consumers to remain vigilant during major online sales events like Amazon’s Prime Day. The potential for financial loss and identity theft is very high during these popular online shopping events.
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