Another Amazon sales event is here, and scammers are using too-good-to-be-true online deals to snare victims and swipe their payment details and other personal information.
“Cybercriminals often exploit shopping frenzy events by crafting fake websites that imitate platforms like Amazon. They bank on shoppers racing against time to snag that enticing bargain,” Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky David Emm told TechRadar.
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days runs from Tuesday until Wednesday, Oct. 11.
Amazon Prime Scams
Kaspersky has reportedly discovered numerous websites mimicking the online retail giant Amazon. These counterfeit websites are enticing consumers with attractive tech deals, particularly on the recently released iPhone 15 models, TechRadar said.
Unsuspecting shoppers who fall for these deals are at risk. Their financial details, personal information, and Amazon login credentials can be harvested and potentially sold on the dark web or used for other criminal exploits.
Israeli cybersecurity firm Checkpoint and the Better Business Bureau issued similar warnings this summer. Ahead of Amazon Prime Day, Check Point researchers also found scammers registered “almost 1,500 new domains related to the term “Amazon” of which 92% were found to be either malicious or suspicious.
Protecting Your Wallet and Personal Data
Emm urged shoppers to be cautious while online shopping. “Slow down, verify website URLs, search for security signs, and only transact through known avenues. This ensures a safe online shopping experience while savoring the authentic deals Amazon Prime Day presents,” he warned.
In addition to these tips, we recommend being skeptical of unsolicited links, especially during high-profile shopping events. Ensure you are visiting the right website by manually typing in the official domain into your browser rather than clicking on links from emails or social media.
If a deal is too good to be true, it’s likely a ruse. No discount, no matter how substantial, is worth the risk of compromising your personal and financial data. Always prioritize secure browsing, looking for HTTPS in website URLs, and using trusted payment gateways. We also recommend you protect your internet traffic with a VPN.
Read our guide to staying safe online for more cyber hygiene tips.
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