Beware of scams during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sales event

[GoneFishin]

Beware of scams during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sales event: cybersecurity firm

As online shoppers hunt for bargains offered by Amazon during its annual fall sale this week, cybersecurity researchers are warning Canadians to beware of an influx of scammers posing as the tech giant.

In the 30 days leading up to Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday, there were more than 1,000 newly registered Amazon-related web domains, according to Check Point Software Technologies, a company that offers cybersecurity solutions.

The company said it deemed 88 per cent of those domains malicious or suspicious, suggesting they could have been set up by scammers to prey on vulnerable consumers. One in every 54 newly created Amazon-related domain included the phrase “Amazon Prime.”

“They’re almost indiscernible from the real Amazon domain,” said Robert Falzon, head of engineering at Check Point in Canada.
Read more > Beware of scams during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sales event: cybersecurity firm

 

[fwtxcitywoman]

The only thing I bought due the Amazon Days was a pack of Butterfinger chunks and some underwear for my son, who had weight loss surgery and his undies were literally falling off, early Xmas gift for him.

 

[Olivia]

Check Point recommends Amazon customers take precautions while shopping on Prime Days, including by checking URLs carefully, creating strong passwords on their accounts, and avoiding personal information being shared such as their birthday or social security number.

The cybersecurity company said consumers should also look for "https" at the beginning of a website URL, which indicates a secure connection, and use credit cards rather than debit cards for online shopping, which offer better protection and less liability if stolen.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2024.

Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press