Beware of Scams During Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days: Cybersecurity Experts Warn Shoppers
As Amazon gears up for its annual Prime Big Deal Days, which take place this Tuesday and Wednesday, cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm about a surge in scams targeting online shoppers. With millions of consumers seeking out the best deals, it’s crucial to stay vigilant against potential fraud.
In the 30 days leading up to this major sales event, Check Point Software Technologies reported over 1,000 newly registered Amazon-related web domains, 88% of which were identified as malicious or suspicious. This alarming statistic suggests that scammers are increasingly using similar domain names to trick unsuspecting consumers into divulging sensitive information.
Robert Falzon, head of engineering at Check Point in Canada, stated, “They’re almost indiscernible from the real Amazon domain. With all these domains registered that look so similar, it’s tricking a lot of people. And that’s the whole intent here.”
This spike in fraudulent activity is not uncommon during significant online shopping events like Prime Day. Scammers often deploy phishing emails, masquerading as legitimate Amazon communications to offer “outrageous” deals and entice consumers to click on harmful links. Over the past two weeks, Check Point has identified and blocked 100 unique Amazon Prime-themed scam emails targeting both consumers and organizations.
In addition to emails, scammers are also making unsolicited calls to Prime members, falsely claiming urgent account issues and requesting payment information. “It’s like Christmas for them,” Falzon remarked, emphasizing that many consumers are susceptible to scams during sales events where significant savings are expected. As the saying goes, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported that as of June 30, 2024, Canadians lost a staggering $284 million to fraud, impacting over 15,941 victims. Unfortunately, many cases go unreported, as some individuals may feel embarrassed or unsure about how to report scams.
To protect themselves while shopping during Prime Days, Check Point recommends that Amazon customers take several precautions:
- Verify URLs: Always check the web address for authenticity.
- Create Strong Passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for online accounts.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Do not disclose sensitive information such as birthdays or social security numbers.
- Look for HTTPS: Ensure that the website uses “https” at the beginning of the URL, indicating a secure connection.
- Use Credit Cards: Prefer credit cards over debit cards for online purchases, as they provide better protection against fraud.
By staying informed and vigilant, online shoppers can navigate Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days safely and enjoy the savings without falling victim to scams.
Source: Swifteradio
