5 Mother’s Day Scams to Watch Out For (and How to Avoid Them)

Mother’s Day is one of the biggest spending holidays in the United States, and this year is no exception. Record levels of consumer spending—on flowers, jewelry, brunch reservations, and gift baskets—also attract scammers looking to cash in. News outlets such as WREX have already reported an uptick in fraudulent schemes tied to the holiday.

If you are planning to buy gifts online in the coming days, it pays to know the common tricks. Here is what is happening, why it matters, and what you can do to protect your money and personal information.

What Happened

According to reports, scammers are exploiting the surge in Mother’s Day shopping by setting up fake websites, sending phishing emails disguised as “special deals,” and running social media ads for gifts that never arrive. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has historically observed a spike in online shopping fraud around major holidays, and this year appears no different. Some scammers also impersonate delivery services, sending texts or emails claiming a package is waiting—but only after you click a link or pay a small “redelivery fee.”

Why It Matters

The risks go beyond losing the money you spent on a gift that never shows up. Many of these scams are designed to steal credit card numbers, login credentials, or other personal data. In some cases, victims are tricked into paying via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—methods that are nearly impossible to reverse. With millions of people shopping in a compressed timeframe, even a small percentage of people falling for these schemes adds up to significant losses.

Common Scams to Recognize

  • Fake online stores. A website might look like a well-known retailer but have a slightly different URL (e.g., 1-800-flowers-deals.com). They advertise deep discounts or hard-to-find items.
  • Phishing emails pretending to be from a store or delivery service. The email creates urgency: “Mother’s Day sale ends tonight!” or “Your order cannot be delivered until you confirm your address.” The link leads to a fake login page that captures your credentials.
  • Social media ads for nonexistent gifts. A sponsored post on Facebook or Instagram offers a beautiful bouquet or personalized gift at an unbelievably low price. After you pay, the page disappears.
  • Package delivery scams. You receive a text or email from “UPS,” “FedEx,” or “USPS” about a missed delivery. It asks you to click a link to reschedule—and pay a small fee.

What Readers Can Do

Here are concrete steps to shop safely this Mother’s Day:

  1. Stick with known retailers. If you are considering a new website, check for contact information, a physical address, and reviews from independent sources. Search the store name plus “scam” to see if others have reported problems.

  2. Verify the URL before entering payment details. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar and ensure the web address starts with “https.” Even then, a padlock only means the connection is encrypted, not that the site is legitimate. Double-check for misspellings or extra words in the domain.

  3. Use a credit card, not a debit card or wire transfer. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. Avoid paying with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps like Cash App or Venmo for purchases from unknown sellers, because those methods are difficult to trace or reverse.

  4. Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. If an email or text claims to be from a delivery service or a store you did not order from, do not click any links. Open a browser and go directly to the official website to check your order status.

  5. Enable purchase alerts. Most banks and credit card companies let you set up text or email notifications for transactions. This can help you spot unauthorized charges quickly.

  6. Take your time. Scammers rely on creating a false sense of urgency. If a deal says “only one hour left” or “limited stock,” pause. Legitimate sales rarely require immediate action.

What to Do If You Are Scammed

If you realize you have been tricked, act quickly:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the fraud and request a chargeback if possible.
  • Change the passwords for any accounts you may have compromised.
  • Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report can help warn others.
  • If you used a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, call them to see if the transfer can be stopped. (Time is critical.)

Sources

  • FTC consumer alerts on holiday shopping scams (ftc.gov)
  • News report: “Watch for Mother’s Day shopping scams amid record spending,” WREX, May 7, 2026
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2025” (annual fraud report)

Shopping for Mom should be about appreciation, not anxiety. By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy the holiday without worrying about your financial safety.