Cybersecurity expert warns shoppers to watch for fake sites, phishing scams for Prime Day
Cybersecurity expert warns shoppers to watch for fake sites, phishing scams for Prime Day
Publish Date: 2026-06-25 10:40:00
Source Domain: wlos.com
One of the busiest online shopping seasons of the year is also one of the busiest times for cybercriminals.
As millions of Americans search for Prime Day deals and other summer sales, cybersecurity experts are warning consumers to be on the lookout for fake shopping websites, phishing emails, scam text messages, and fraudulent advertisements designed to steal personal information and financial data.
Speaking with The National News Desk, cybersecurity expert and privacy attorney Leeza Garber said the combination of limited-time discounts, urgency, and high online traffic creates ideal conditions for scammers.
“Shopping season is exciting, but it’s also the perfect storm for cybercriminals,” Garber said.
She explained that many scams rely on creating a false sense of urgency, whether it’s claiming you’ve won a gift card, offering an exclusive discount, or warning that a package has been delayed or lost. Those messages often encourage users to click on links that appear legitimate but instead lead to fraudulent websites designed to collect usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information.
According to Garber, one of the safest habits consumers can adopt is navigating directly to a retailer’s official website or mobile app rather than clicking links in emails, text messages, advertisements, or social media posts.
The warning comes as cybersecurity researchers report a surge in newly registered domains designed to imitate major retailers. Garber noted that the Better Business Bureau has identified Amazon as one of the most frequently impersonated companies online.
Many of the fake websites are intentionally designed to look nearly identical to legitimate shopping pages. In some cases, scammers change only a single character in a web address, making it difficult for consumers to recognize they’re visiting a fraudulent site.
“The website may look exactly like Amazon,” Garber said, “but it’s really collecting your information.”
She recommends typing web…
