Phishing attacks often start with a message sent via email, social media, or other channels, cybercriminals use information from social networks to make these fake messages appear convincing
Amazon Prime Day is set for July 16-17, 2024, and shoppers around the world are eagerly anticipating great deals and exclusive offers. Last year, Prime members purchased over 375 million items and saved more than $2.5 billion, marking the biggest Prime Day ever. This year is expected to be even bigger. However, the excitement also brings risks, as cybercriminals exploit this busy shopping period to launch phishing attacks.
Phishing attacks often start with a message sent via email, social media, or other channels. Cybercriminals use information from social networks to make these fake messages appear convincing. These messages may contain malicious attachments or links to fake websites that mimic trusted sites like Amazon. The goal is to steal personal information such as usernames, passwords, or payment details. In June 2024, over 1,230 new domains related to Amazon were registered, with 85 percent flagged as malicious. Examples include:
amazon-onboarding[.]com : Pretends to be Amazon to steal carrier-related credentials.
amazonmxc[.]shop : A fake Amazon Mexico site designed to steal login details.
amazonindo[.]com : Another fake Amazon site with a fake login page.
In June 2024, a phishing campaign targeted the US using files like Mail-AmazonReports-73074[264].pdf, which claimed the recipient’s Amazon account was suspended due to billing issues and urged them to update payment details through a phishing link. Another example involved a fake Amazon Prime Video order, where the phishing email included a link to a fake Amazon login page designed to steal login credentials.
To help you stay safe while shopping online, here are some tips:
Check URLs Carefully : Look for misspellings or unusual domains.
Create Strong Passwords : Use a strong password for your Amazon account.
Look for HTTPS : Ensure the website URL starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon.
Limit Personal Information : Don’t share unnecessary personal details.
Be Cautious with Emails : Verify the source before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
Be Skeptical of Unrealistic Deals : If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Use Credit Cards : Credit cards offer better protection than debit cards for online shopping.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and secure Amazon Prime Day.