With Amazon Prime Day fast approaching on July 16 and 17, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding consumers to stay vigilant as the shopping event also attracts scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting customers.
"Amazon Prime Day may be a great opportunity for deals, but it’s crucial to stay alert against scams and predatory practices,” Nessel said. “By being aware and taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself and enjoy a safe shopping experience.”
Online retailers often employ ‘dark patterns’ to manipulate shoppers’ emotions and insecurities. Nessel, the Federal Trade Commission, and 16 other state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the company degrades the customer experience by replacing relevant, organic search results with Amazon’s own products and paid advertisements over ones that Amazon knows are of better quality. To avoid falling for these tactics, consumers should:
- Make a shopping list and set a budget before browsing Prime deals;
- Confirm all models and items before purchasing;
- Pay close attention to the return policies;
- Place items in their carts instead of using the “Buy Now” functionality to ensure the best deals; and
- Compare prices with competitors.
Some products may have numerous positive reviews that are not genuine or are AI-generated. Consumers should:
- Conduct their own research of products and third-party sellers;
- Check reviews for products on other sites; and
- Pay more attention to verified Amazon reviews.
Scammers may send phishing emails and smishing texts that appear to be from Amazon, offering exclusive deals or alerting consumers to account issues. These messages are designed to steal personal information. Before falling victim, consumers should:
- Always check the sender’s email address;
- Verify any claims by logging into their Amazon account directly through the official website;
- Not reply to suspicious emails or texts or click on links or attachments; and
- Use an email spam filter and a built-in mobile spam-blocking tool.
Phishing emails can be reported to the Anti-Phishing Working Group. Smishing texts can be reported by forwarding them to SPAM (7726). Both can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Consumers should also be wary of websites mimicking Amazon’s look and feel which may advertise deep discounts to steal payment information. They should ensure websites start with “https://” and include “amazon.com.” Tools like Google’s Safe Browsing tool can help determine if a website is legitimate.
Michiganders should scrutinize calls alerting them to suspicious activity on their Amazon account and avoid giving out personal information. "Amazon will never send unsolicited messages asking for sensitive information," emphasized Nessel.
Any customer who receives a questionable call from someone impersonating an Amazon employee should report it to Amazon customer service and Michigan's Robocall Crackdown Team.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General or get additional information, contact:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
An online complaint form is available.
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