'Think twice': Scots warned over Amazon Prime Big Deal Days scams

Scots have been warned to “think twice” and be on alert against scams ahead of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days promotions.

Advice Direct Scotland has encouraged shoppers to be vigilant for phishing emails, texts, and calls, and to be wary of fake deals.

The charity says AI-powered scams have become more sophisticated and difficult to detect.

Prime Big Deal Days is being held on Tuesday and Wednesday, with discounts available across the site.

Criminals often take advantage of such promotions to lure victims with offers that appear too good to be true, aiming to steal both their money and personal information.

Scammers commonly impersonate Amazon in emails, claiming to alert recipients to account issues.

For example, some messages claim a temporary hold has been placed on the account, stating that pending orders have been cancelled due to incorrect billing information.

Recipients are urged to click a link to verify their account within three days to avoid further order cancellations.

Another scam email may mention an expired payment method for an Amazon Prime membership, prompting recipients to update their details via a provided link.

Additionally, scammers may create bogus websites impersonating Amazon, so shoppers should check for misspelled or slightly different domain names.

Advice Direct Scotland say scammers are using AI platforms like ChatGPT, which employ natural language processing to create human-like dialogue, making their messages more believable.

They can also use AI image generators to create fake celebrity endorsements that appear real.

Rebecca Fagan, project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With household budgets being stretched, it’s understandable that people will have their eye out for bargains during the upcoming Prime Big Deal Days.

“However, fraudsters are always looking for ways to gain the upper hand, and often take advantage of these kinds of promotions to persuade people to part with cash.

“It’s easy to feel rushed to buy when you see a discount, but time-limited offers can lead shoppers to ignore warning signs and get caught out.

“The key advice is to take your time and check before you buy. Make sure you’re on the official Amazon website, as links may lead to fake sites.

“If you need help, contact our advisers for free and impartial advice. Report any scams or suspicious messages using our ScamWatch tool at www.scamwatch.scot.

“Scammers are changing their tactics all the time, and AI is playing a big role. AI can make emails and images look more convincing, which makes spotting scams harder.

“Always stay alert and think twice before clicking on emails or ads. If you have any doubts, check with the original source before sharing personal information.”