July 09, 2025
Prime Day Turns Risky as AI Scams Flood the Internet
As Prime Day 2025 approaches, a new report from McAfee is sounding the alarm on the growing wave of artificial intelligence-driven scams targeting eager online shoppers. According to McAfee’s Global Prime Day Scams Study, cybercriminals have launched over 36,000 fake Amazon websites and 75,000 impersonation texts, just in time to exploit the annual shopping frenzy.
With 81% of Americans planning to shop during Prime Day, the event presents a massive opportunity, not just for retailers but for fraudsters. Despite 89% of people claiming they take steps to protect themselves online, a worrying 65% admit they’re not entirely confident they can spot a scam.
Top tactics include convincing fake Amazon websites, deepfake videos of influencers pitching too-good-to-be-true deals, and a flood of fake delivery or refund texts designed to stir up panic and trick consumers into clicking harmful links. These messages often create a false sense of urgency, prompting split-second decisions that can lead to stolen information or financial loss.
“As inflation and tariffs push more people to hunt for deals, scammers are using generative AI to craft scams that are more polished, personal, and persuasive,” said Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee. “From retailer impersonations and hyper-realistic delivery text scams, these threats are getting harder to spot. The good news is that the tools to fight back are getting smarter too. The best way to stay safe is to pause before you click, trust your instincts, and use AI-powered protection like McAfee’s Scam Detector to stay one step ahead.”
Tariffs, Deepfakes, and the Price of Risk
Economic pressures are pushing more shoppers toward Prime Day. Almost half of Americans (46%) say they’ll be shopping more this year to stretch their budgets, with 68% of older adults naming tariffs as a driving factor. Unfortunately, this deal-seeking behaviour can make people more vulnerable, especially when paired with well-timed scam messages that look real.
While older adults tend to be more cautious, younger consumers are often more adventurous—and more at risk. A quarter of 18–34-year-olds say they’re willing to buy from unknown brands if the deal looks good, especially on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. However, that trust can be dangerous: nearly one in three young shoppers report having encountered fake influencer promotions during major sale events, and 71% of those have either lost money or know someone who has.
Sleepy Scrolling, Split-Second Scams
The study also found that timing plays a role in risky behaviour. One in three Americans admits to shopping or clicking suspicious links while distracted, tired, or multitasking. And 37% say scam fears have made them abandon their online cart entirely.
Still, hope isn’t lost. Nearly half of consumers (45%) say they’d consider using a scam detection tool to feel more secure during Prime Day, with 24% saying they definitely will.
Stay safe this Prime Day! As AI continues to transform how we shop and scam, staying alert and protected has never been more important. Prime Day may bring deals, but smart shoppers will know that a good bargain never demands blind trust.
