Prime Day, Prime Target: Phishing Surge Puts Millions at Risk

Amazon's Prime Day has become a shopping holiday for millions but this year, it’s not just the discounts drawing attention. Cybercriminals are targeting eager shoppers with an unprecedented wave of phishing scams designed to steal credentials, financial data, and more.

The Scope of the Threat

According to NordVPN, over 120,000 scam websites mimicking Amazon have popped up in just the past two months. These include:

• 92,000 phishing pages

  
  

• 21,000 malware-laced sites

  
  

• 11,000 fake product platforms

  
  

Similarly, Check Point Research identified over 1,000 new domains resembling Amazon created in June alone 87% flagged as malicious or suspicious. This represents one of the largest single-platform phishing campaigns seen to date.

How These Scams Work

Cybercriminals use a mix of classic and modern techniques:

• Lookalike URLs: Slight misspellings or unusual domain extensions (e.g., ".top", ".online").

• Urgent Phishing Emails: Messages like "Amazon Refund Due!" trick users into clicking malicious links.

• Fake Downloads: Malware hidden in fake receipts or coupon attachments.

Once victims engage, attackers harvest login credentials, install spyware, or initiate financial fraud.

Who's Raising the Alarm?

Both NordVPN and Check Point are urging users to take extra precautions. Their experts note that attackers are specifically leveraging:

• Brand trust in Amazon

  
  

• High shopping volume

  
  

• Customer urgency during flash sales

  
  

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

• Go direct: Type "amazon.com" manually or use the official app.

  
  

• Scrutinize links: Watch for typos, weird characters, and non-".com" endings.

  
  

• Avoid email links: Especially those pushing urgency.

  
  

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security.

  
  

• Pay smart: Use credit cards or virtual cards. Not wire transfers.

  
  

• Keep devices secure: Update your software and use antivirus tools.

  
  

Bottom Line

Cybercriminals know that during Prime Day, wallets are open and defenses may be down. Don’t let urgency override caution. This year, your best deal might be the one that keeps your data safe.

Stay vigilant, shop smart and when in doubt, back out.

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