NEW YORK: Amazon Prime Day is finally here, with experts cautioning consumers about potential scams. Scammers have long targeted online shoppers by impersonating reputable companies like Amazon and other major retailers. The Better Business Bureau has stated that phishing attempts typically increase during significant sales events such as Black Friday and Prime Day. Josh Planos, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations at the Better Business Bureau, explained, “This is a huge moment on the retail calendar, and because of that, it represents an enormous opportunity for a scammer, con artist, or even just an unethical business or organization to capitalize on the moment and separate folks from their hard-earned money.”
Prime Day, a two-day discount extravaganza, officially begins on Tuesday and extends through Wednesday. The Better Business Bureau recently reminded consumers to remain vigilant in the face of potential scams. They advised shoppers to be wary of lookalike websites, social media ads that seem too good to be true, unsolicited emails, and unexpected phone calls, not just during Prime Day but throughout the entire sales month. Scott Knapp, Director of Worldwide Buyer Risk Prevention at Amazon, highlighted two common scams that the company has encountered in previous Prime Day events: Prime membership and order confirmation hoaxes.
In the past, individuals have reported receiving unsolicited calls or emails claiming there was an issue with their Prime membership. Scammers then ask for payment information, including credit card details and login credentials, which Amazon or any reputable business would never request in that manner. Another tactic scammers use is urging consumers to confirm an order they didn’t place, often selecting high-value items to grab attention and potentially acquire payment information or send malicious links. Knapp stated, “We sell a lot of stuff and people know the (Amazon) name. Bad actors try to take advantage of that.”
While it is challenging to provide specific details about this year’s Prime Day scams until it officially commences, experts predict the scams will largely resemble those from previous years. Repeating tactics such as fake delivery scams, email phishing, and more are expected to circulate. Planos added, “It’s always a ploy to separate consumers from their personal and payment information.”
However, scammers are continuously evolving their techniques to become more sophisticated. As a result, images may appear more legitimate, text messages may sound more convincing, and fake websites may closely resemble popular shopping destinations. Knapp noted that artificial intelligence is starting to be incorporated into scams, but the overall approaches remain the same. He stated, “It’s just now a machine is maybe populating the email or text.”
According to data from the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing around US$8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. Online shopping scams ranked as the second most-reported form of fraud, following imposter scams. Both the FTC and the Better Business Bureau provide year-round tips to help consumers avoid scams. Guidance includes blocking unwanted messages, refraining from providing financial information to unsolicited callers, and verifying links before clicking on them. Planos emphasized the importance of secure websites, noting that legitimate sites will have “HTTPS” in the URL rather than “HTTP.”
Experts advise against succumbing to pressure tactics employed by scammers, urging individuals to trust their instincts and take a moment to assess the situation. Consumers are also encouraged to report scams to regulatory authorities. In addition to scams impersonating companies or retailers, consumers should be cautious of counterfeit products and fake reviews, which can appear on trusted retail sites. While shopping on platforms like Amazon, it is crucial to remember that not all listings originate directly from the company. Planos suggested that if a product is being sold for less than 75% of its regular market price, it should be considered a red flag.
Counterfeit products and sketchy sellers can be found on various platforms, including well-known sites like Amazon. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to check out businesses through their website and actively monitor for counterfeit activity. Amazon has made efforts to tackle counterfeit products by eliminating millions of fake items from its site and blocking billions of dubious listings. The company emphasized its “zero tolerance” policy towards counterfeit products and fake reviews, revealing that it blocked over 200 million suspected fake reviews in 2022. Customers can report fake reviews and other scams on Amazon’s website, and in rare cases where a customer unknowingly purchases a counterfeit product, Amazon proactively contacts the customer, informs them of the situation, and offers a full refund.
As Prime Day commences, consumers must stay alert and cautious to protect themselves against scams. Vigilance, skepticism, and reporting potential scams are crucial in ensuring a safe and successful shopping experience.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
