As millions plan to take advantage of the best deals during Amazon Prime Day, cybercriminals are stepping up their efforts, creating more than 120,000 fake Amazon websites aimed at scamming excited shoppers. These malicious platforms are being developed in the two months leading up to the event, ensuring that they are available precisely when the rush of online shopping begins on July 8th and continues through July 11th. The surge in fake sites represents a serious threat, as these cybercriminals are crafting phishing traps, malware, and counterfeit products, all designed to exploit the urgency and excitement that comes with the fast-paced nature of such a major shopping event.
Amazon is fighting back against these threats by taking swift action. In the past year alone, the company has removed over 55,000 phishing websites and 12,000 fraudulent phone numbers used in impersonation schemes. Amazon operates with the help of law enforcement agencies to ensure that the individuals behind these scams are held accountable. Despite these measures, the speed at which these threats are proliferating is outpacing the company’s ability to remove them all in a short time. This highlights the need for increased consumer awareness and vigilance, as the responsibility of staying secure often falls on the individual shopper.
To protect against these potential scams, consumers are advised to make purchases solely through the official Amazon website or the Amazon app. It is crucial to avoid clicking on any links sent through emails, text messages, social media, or pop-up ads, even if they appear to originate from Amazon. These links can be used to steal personal information or install malware on users’ devices. Additionally, having antivirus software is vital for protecting against phishing emails and ransomware attacks. Amazon has also reminded shoppers that the company will never request any form of payment via email or phone call, and it will never ask for gift card codes as a means of payment. This reassurance is an important reminder that consumers should remain cautious and not be swayed by any urgent requests for personal information or payment.
Furthermore, consumers should inspect the URLs of any websites they are planning to visit to ensure they are legitimate. Fake websites often have similar names to the official Amazon site, such as ‘arnazon.com’ or ‘amaz0n-sale.com’, which are easy to miss. It’s essential to verify the web address carefully before entering any sensitive information. If a user encounters a suspected scam, they should report it to Amazon through their official support page or report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. These actions not only help in shutting down fraudulent activities but also contribute to a safer online environment for all shoppers.
Consumers are also advised to use strong, unique passwords for their Amazon accounts, which should not be used on other platforms. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of protection. Keeping devices and the Amazon app updated is also important to avoid vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit. Shoppers should be cautious of overly cheap deals or sellers with poor reviews, as these are often signs of potential scams. With the number of fake websites rising, staying alert and following safe shopping practices is essential to ensure that consumers can enjoy the benefits of Amazon Prime Day without falling victim to online fraud.