How to Shop Safely on Amazon and Avoid Fake Reviews, Counterfeits, and Sketchy Sellers
Amazon has nearly everything you can imagine—plus hundreds or thousands of versions of each product. If its virtual shelves were replaced by brick-and-mortar stores, Amazon might be the world’s most overstimulating shopping space.
Take power banks, for example. A search for power banks on Amazon returns more than 50,000 results. The listings range from well-known brands like Anker and Jackery to obscure brands with no product reviews. Sellers offer different capacities, ports, charging speeds, and prices.
So how do you know which Amazon brands are high quality? Which product lists are legitimate? What price should you pay? And are those “sale” prices real—or discount fakes?
Amazon makes it surprisingly easy to sell products. With millions of sellers, the marketplace includes poor product listings from questionable sellers. Some listings use nonsensical brand names, while multiple sellers may use the same product photo and claim to offer the same item.
Many products on Amazon are safe and legal, but shoppers should still be aware of fake reviews and counterfeit products. Amazon generally offers a strong return policy and a Warranty from A to Z. Ideally, though, you should avoid having to return a product in the first place.
The tips below can help you shop more carefully, especially ahead of Prime Big Deal Day on October 6 and 7.
Updated September 2026: This story has been updated with the latest tips and information.
Buy Directly From Amazon When Possible
If possible, purchase products directly from Amazon. Amazon manages its own inventory more carefully than products sold by third-party sellers, so items sold directly by Amazon are more likely to arrive as advertised and qualify for Prime shipping.
Returns are usually straightforward because Amazon manages the process. In some cases, you may even receive a refund without returning a defective item. However, buying directly from Amazon is not a guarantee that a product is high quality or authentic, so research the brand and listing carefully.
When reviewing a product page, make sure the seller information says “Ships from Amazon.com and Sold by Amazon.com.” This information is typically listed beneath the price and “In Stock” message, or below the purchase buttons. You can also find it in the Amazon app.
Check Who Ships and Sells the Product
A product can appear on Amazon while being sold by a third-party seller. Purchasing an item that is both sold and shipped by Amazon can make shipping, returns, and customer service easier.
That said, the seller name alone does not prove that a product is high quality or authentic. Check the brand, product details, customer reviews, and listing photos before you buy.
How to See Products Sold by Amazon.com
Step 1: Search for a specific product with the category set to “All” in Amazon’s search box. For example, you could search for Pixel 10a.
Step 2: Amazon will automatically select a relevant department, but you can choose another department from the menu on the left if needed.
Step 3: Use the seller filter to show products sold by Amazon.com. Filtering the results can reduce the number of third-party listings you need to review.
Source: www.wired.com