Fake Prime Day sites, emails and calls spreading

Amazon’s fall Prime Big Deal Days sale is next week on Oct. 8 and Oct. 9. Yes, I’ll be sharing all the best deals. But the most important thing I want you to know is that scammers are hard at work creating lookalike sites and emails to trick you while you’ve got your credit card out.

Gone are the days of crappy rip-offs. Today’s crooks create fake websites that look just like the ones they’re imitating. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back, and I’m here to help you spot the scams and shop safely.

Carbon copy

Over the last 30 days, Check Point Research has discovered more than 1,000 newly registered Amazon-related domains — and 88% of them are malicious or suspicious.

One out of every 54 of the new domains includes the phrase “Amazon Prime,” because they want your search to lead right to them.

  • Examples: Domain names ending with .com, like “amazonprimemotels,” “amazonprimeresort” and “amazonprimeresorts.”

Many of these domains are “parked,” meaning they’re not in use — yet. Scammers like to get their ducks in a row and create sites that are ready to go live when it’s Prime (Day) time.

As for those sites that already have content up, most look and feel close enough to the real deal to catch the attention of unsuspecting shoppers browsing quickly. More than anything, scammers bank on you seeing the Amazon name and logo.

Calls and emails work, too

Check Point found more than 100 different Prime-focused scam email campaigns. Many impersonate Amazon Financial Services, asking you to update your payment details or other personal information.

They might look something like this:

Fake Amazon billing notification

CheckPoint.com

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'Watt’s the deal?

💡 These items are illuminating in so many ways.

  • I don’t like dark hallways and stairwells. Dangerous! These night-lights look nice and cost less than $10 for eight. Click for the extra coupon.
  • Smart bulbs don’t have to be expensive. WiZ smart lights are under $10.
  • Upgrade your evening porch time with app-controlled outdoor LED lights. Click the box for $42 off.
  • This smart table lamp will look good in any room (27% off).
  • Prefer paper books to electronic versions? I do, too. All good! Grab a book light for under $7.

Protect your expensive investments

🫰 It doesn’t take much, really.

Is that a hint of fall in the air?

🍁 I’m so ready. Cozy mode, engage!

Now, that’s clever!

Here are some things I wish I would’ve invented:

Get smart on the cheap

🌟 It’s time for you to know the pleasures of sitting on your butt and letting tech do the heavy lifting.

  • Smart plugs (20% off) transform a lamp, fan, humidifier or anything else. Click the coupon box for an extra $4 discount.
  • Control the lights using just your voice with these Govee color-changing smart bulbs. (There’s a $3 coupon here, too.)
  • Save money and energy with a smart thermostat.
  • This doorknob lets you in the house using only a fingerprint.
  • Upgrade your sprinklers (25% off!) to keep the lawn green without overwatering. It all happens automatically.

I’m fallin’ for this stuff!

Hooray! Handy home helpers

Channeling my inner MacGyver

Save money and space with one thing that does many things. 

  • This pen ($10) is also a stylus, leveler, ruler, and a flathead and Phillips-head screwdriver. 
  • Kitchen tongs (10% off now) you can also use as a whisk and spatula.
  • A hammer ($22) that packs in pliers, a serrated knife, a saw, a wire cutter, a prying claw, a nail file, a bottle opener, and flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers.
  • The 8-in-1 kitchen stack ($12) includes a funnel, juicer, grater, egg cracker, shredder, can opener, egg separator and measuring cup. 
  • A flashlight ($24) that’s also a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker, a red flashing emergency light, a power bank and an alarm.

🧀 Cheesy food puns are so grate

Dinner is served!

Despite what my podcast cohost, Andrew, would have you believe, I don’t order takeout every night.

  • One of my favorite meals is fresh-caught salmon cooked on one of these salt blocks. So, so good.
  • Chef trick: Sprinkle Maldon sea salt on meat, veggies, brownies or cookies. It’s crunchy and not too salty.
  • Last time I moved, I threw out all my crusty, old baking sheets and got fresh, shiny ones. This brand lasts forever.
  • You deserve a real napkin with dinner, not a paper towel.
  • Keep your fridge fresh. This odor eliminator works better than a box of baking soda and lasts a decade.

You ask, I deliver

📦 Lots of requests for more handy little helpers around the house. I’ve got your back!

Useful deals under $20

Sweet deals under $10

Sorry-not-sorry, but you’re probably going to want all these …

Deals on deals on deals

🦸 Finding good sales is my superpower.

More early Prime Big Deal Days scores

You don’t want to miss these deals!

💯 OK, that’s a bargain

The early Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sales continue! To score these deals, you’ll need a Prime membership. Use this link for a 30-day free trial.

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Get smart on the cheap

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