India: Fake Amazon Sites & AI Scams Target Shoppers Ahead of Prime Day – Stay Alert!

India: Fake Amazon Sites & AI Scams Target Shoppers Ahead of Prime Day – Stay Alert!

As Amazon’s Prime Day nears, cybercriminals are busy too. A new McAfee report reveals over 36,000 fake Amazon websites and 75,000 scam texts are flooding the internet to trap shoppers.

These scams are getting smarter. Many use AI deepfake videos featuring fake influencers promoting fake deals. Others send messages pretending to be Amazon, asking you to click links for refunds, deliveries, or payments. These are phishing traps designed to steal your money and data.

In India, 71% of people worry about online scams during sales. Shockingly, 80% of victims lost over ₹40,000, and many didn’t report the crime due to fear or embarrassment.

Young users are especially vulnerable—17% of 18–24 year-olds and 13% of 25–34 year-olds said they’ve been scammed.

How to stay safe:

  • Don’t trust unknown links – only use official Amazon apps or websites.
  • Think before you click – urgent messages are often fake.
  • Use two-factor authentication and strong passwords.
  • Avoid wire transfers – pay only via trusted methods like credit cards or UPI.

While some shoppers are now cautious, many still plan to buy during Prime Day. Using scam detection tools and staying alert can help you shop safely.

Remember: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Stay smart, stay secure, and enjoy the sale without the scam.