Stay safe and avoid scams this Amazon Prime Day
Deals can come quickly during sale season, but so do the risks of scams and fraud – here’s how to beat the bad guys.
Amazon Prime Day is great for those looking for a bargain (we’re not immune), but it’s also a good time for scammers, who are always looking for victims blinded by the idea of making a big saving on a big purchase.
But you can protect yourself. Palo Alto Networks vice president of marketing in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region, Lisa Sim, has some essential tips to keep scammers at bay.
“Amazon’s annual Prime Day has begun and Australians have eagerly logged on in search of the best deal, but shoppers looking for great deals should be careful not to get scammed in the process,” Mr Sim said.
“Prime Day is not only important for shoppers, but also a ‘prime’ time for scammers looking to target deal-driven consumers. With more than 601,000 scam reports made in 2023, up from 507,000 in 2022, according to the ACCC’s latest report, Australian buyers should be careful not to get scammed in the process.
“It’s important to slow down before clicking on suspicious links, especially those that arrive unexpectedly with strange details or misspellings. Another thing to keep in mind is social media ads; Scammers sometimes use these platforms to impersonate well-known brands. It is advisable to be cautious and not be easily influenced by offers that seem too good to be true.”
However, Sim said consumers should take steps to protect their personal information.
“Trusted companies will never ask for sensitive details such as personally identifiable information, such as a driver’s license, passport, or tax return number. And instead of clicking on links to track shipments, it’s safer to track packages directly through official websites. Improving your online security by setting strong passwords and using two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection. And when making online purchases, always stick to the official platform to avoid falling for phishing schemes,” Sim said.
“By following this and reporting any suspicious activity, you are protecting yourself and helping to make the Internet a safer place for everyone.”
