Amazon Prime Day has become a massive shopping event, breaking records in 2023 as customers worldwide purchased over 375 million items, a significant increase from the previous year. However, as the popularity of Prime Day grows, so do the tactics utilized by scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the world of scams, allowing scammers to create sophisticated and convincing schemes. Tools like ChatGPT have gained immense popularity, with 100 million users within the first few months of launching, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. This widespread adoption of AI tools enables scammers to produce highly believable emails, fake websites, and even deepfake videos that closely resemble legitimate communications. In the first half of 2024, there has been a noticeable surge in AI-powered scams, including voice cloning and deepfakes, which mimic trusted organizations or individuals with alarming accuracy.
Moreover, scammers are not limiting their targets to just Amazon. They are now expanding their reach to include other reputable names such as USPS, Temu, and SHEIN. With a significant percentage of Prime Day shoppers comparing prices across multiple retailers before making a purchase, scammers see an opportunity to deceive consumers across different platforms, capitalizing on the trust associated with recognizable brands.
Amazon’s parcel volume has experienced substantial growth, surpassing UPS in the U.S. in 2023, indicating a shift in the delivery landscape. Despite Amazon’s expanding logistics operations, the company still heavily relies on USPS for a considerable portion of its deliveries, particularly for last-mile services. USPS plays a vital role in handling millions of Amazon packages, especially in rural and remote areas where its delivery network extends to every address in the U.S. In 2023, U.S. parcel volumes reached 21.65 billion shipments, with USPS playing a significant role in processing a large number of these parcels.
Unfortunately, USPS’s extensive involvement in deliveries has made it a prime target for scammers. In the first two quarters of 2024, USPS emerged as one of the most frequently imitated brands in phishing scams, with scammers creating fake notifications and impersonating its services to deceive consumers. By leveraging the trust consumers place in USPS, scammers have crafted phishing emails that closely resemble official USPS notifications, including fake tracking updates or delivery failure alerts.
To combat these increasingly sophisticated scams, the public must adopt new strategies beyond traditional methods. Simple checks like hovering over links or verifying sender emails are no longer sufficient, as AI-powered scams are designed to bypass these measures. It is crucial to exercise caution and take safer actions, such as checking orders through official apps or websites directly rather than clicking on links from emails or messages, even if they appear to be from trusted sources.
Moreover, utilizing advanced security tools that offer real-time protection can help detect phishing attempts, block malicious websites, and provide warnings about potential scams before they victimize individuals. As scammers continue to evolve their tactics with the aid of AI, having an extra layer of security is essential for safeguarding against these threats.
In conclusion, as scams become increasingly sophisticated, it is imperative for the public to enhance their defenses and remain vigilant against potential threats. By staying informed and utilizing advanced security measures, consumers can better protect themselves from falling victim to scams during events like Amazon Prime Day.
Efrat Tabibi, the Head of Data Science and Analytics at Guardio, brings over a decade of experience in data analysis and cybersecurity to help protect users from online threats. Her expertise in the field ensures that individuals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape safely.