Robert Falzon, head of engineering at Check Point in Canada, highlighted the sophistication of these scams, noting that many of the fraudulent domains are designed to closely mimic legitimate Amazon sites. "They're almost indiscernible from the real Amazon domain," he explained, emphasizing that the goal is to trick consumers into providing sensitive information.
Historically, significant online shopping days, like Prime Day, see a spike in phishing attempts. Check Point has reported identifying and blocking 100 unique scam emails related to Amazon Prime in just the past two weeks . These scams often promise unbelievable deals that lure recipients into clicking malicious links. Additionally, scammers may attempt to reach Prime members through unsolicited calls, alleging urgent account issues and soliciting payment information .
Falzon described the situation as a “Christmas” for scammers, given that consumers are typically on the lookout for great deals during Prime Day. "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is," he cautioned . This sentiment resonates with the data from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which reported that Canadians lost $284 million to fraud in the first half of this year, with 15,941 victims affected . Many incidents remain unreported as victims often feel unsure about how to report scams or may hesitate due to embarrassment.
To protect themselves during Prime Big Deal Days, Check Point recommends that Amazon customers take several precautions:
- Scrutinize URLs: Always check the web address for any discrepancies before entering personal information.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for your Amazon account and change them regularly.
- Limit Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing sensitive information, such as your birthday or social security number.
- Look for Secure Connections: Ensure the website URL begins with "https," which indicates a secure connection.
- Prefer Credit Cards: Use credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases, as they offer better fraud protection .
- Avoid Clicking Sketchy Banners: When you're scrolling through Facebook and see a banner add or video that seems "to good to be true" it probably is.
- Stick to the KNOWN Amazon App or .ca/.com Site: Avoid any other domains or apps that aren't built by Amazon or URLs that aren't www.amazon.ca or www.amazon.com
By staying informed and vigilant, consumers can help safeguard themselves from the threats that often accompany major shopping events like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.
