Prime Day (8–11 July) brings big deals — but also big dangers. Consumer group Which? has uncovered scammers using fake ads and copycat websites masquerading as official Amazon pages—crafted to trick shoppers into handing over cash and personal info.
Let’s dive into what they found—and what you should watch for.
1. 🎯 Copycat Amazon Websites & Phony Ads
Which? investigators discovered scam ads on Facebook and Instagram promoting “Amazon Prime Day giveaways” and “unwanted stock clearance.” These ads redirect users to near-perfect knockoff Amazon websites using copied branding. Everything looks legit—until you enter your account or payment details.
2. 🚨 Five Key Red Flags
Which? outlines these tell-tale signs of a scam:
- Pressure selling – “Huge discounts,” “while stocks last!”
- Request for personal/financial info – No legitimate site asks for that out loud.
- Strange email senders or social accounts – If it doesn’t come from @amazon.com, be wary.
- Unfamiliar domain – Check for misspellings or odd URL endings.
- Newly created website – Use a WHOIS lookup to check its history.
3. 🛡️ How to Stay Safe (Your Prime Day Protection Plan)
| ✅ Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Skip the ad | Always ignore flash sale ads on social media. |
| ✔️ Inspect the URL | Hover over links. True Amazon deals are on amazon.co.uk. |
| ✔️ Use official channels | Open Amazon app or website directly—not through ads. |
| ✔️ Check domain age | If it’s brand new, it could be a scam site. |
| ✔️ Report suspicious content | Use Facebook’s “Report ad” feature and report scam sites to the NCSC. |
| ✔️ Monitor your bank | Flag odd charges early. |
And if you suspect you’ve clicked something dodgy, contact your bank right away—even call your local Action Fraud hotline.
4. 👤 Real Lives, Real Consequences
This isn’t theoretical. Fake ads have already launched, tricking shoppers into buying non-existent clearance goods or revealing personal details. At this time of year, scammers expect you’ll buy fast—so they mirror real deals nearly perfectly and hope you don’t stop to think.
5. 🧠 How Cybersecurity Advisor Protects You
- I practice what I preach: no matter how enticing, I never click ads — I open Amazon myself.
- I use password managers, two-factor authentication, and secure browsing tools (like NordVPN) to block malicious sites before they appear.
- You can stay ahead by always verifying domains, ignoring urgent messages, and reporting anything that looks suspicious.
TL;DR — Stay Sharp This Prime Day
- Ignore social ads — they’re not controlled by Amazon
- Always check URLs for authenticity
- Report and walk away from suspicious sites or messages
- Take real protection steps (advanced tips below)
📘 Want to Go Next-Level Secure?
My free Cybersecurity for Beginners 2025 guide covers exactly how to shield yourself from Prime Day scams—and everyday digital threats—without feeling overwhelmed.
👉 Download it here
Sources
- Which? – Prime Day scam report
- Fox News – Amazon Prime Day scam warning
- WCPO News – Scam types to watch for during Prime Day
- The Sun – Shopping tips and scam alerts during sales events
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