BBB Warns of Mother’s Day Shopping Scams: What to Watch For

With Mother’s Day just a few days away, many of us are finishing up gift shopping online. The Better Business Bureau has issued an alert this week warning that scammers are taking advantage of the rush. While the holiday is meant to show appreciation, it’s also become a peak period for fake websites, phishing messages, and gift card tricks.

What Happened

On May 7, 2026, the BBB released a consumer alert specifically for Mother’s Day shoppers. The notice outlines several common schemes that tend to surge in the days leading up to the holiday. These include look-alike websites that mimic well-known retailers, social media ads offering unbelievable discounts, and emails that claim to be from flower or gift delivery services.

The timing is no accident. Scammers know that people are often in a hurry and may let their guard down when trying to find a last-minute gift. The BBB’s alert is based on recent reports from consumers and ongoing monitoring of deceptive online practices.

Why It Matters

Scams during Gift-Giving Seasons Can Be Costly

Holiday shopping scams are not new, but they tend to ramp up heavily in the final days before a gift-giving occasion. The problem is not just losing money—it’s also giving away personal information that can lead to identity theft.

According to federal data, gift card scams are among the most common fraud types reported to the FTC. In a typical Mother’s Day scam, a seller may insist on payment via prepaid debit card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Once the money is sent, it is nearly impossible to recover.

Another risk is phishing. A scammer may send an email that looks like a shipping confirmation from UPS or FedEx, but the link leads to a fake login page designed to steal passwords. With many shoppers checking their order status, it’s easy to click without thinking.

What Readers Can Do

Here are practical steps you can take this weekend to avoid being caught off guard three.

1. Check the URL Before You Buy

Scammers register domain names that are very close to real brands—like amaz0n-deals.com instead of amazon.com. Look for subtle misspellings or extra words. If the URL looks off, do not enter payment details.

2. Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Prices

If a Facebook ad or an email is offering 80% off a popular gift item, it is almost certainly a fake. Compare prices against the brand’s official site. If the discount seems extreme, it’s a red flag.

3. Only Use Payment Methods With Fraud Protection

Credit cards are generally safer than debit cards because they offer stronger buyer protections. Avoid paying with gift cards or wire transfers—legitimate businesses do not ask for these.

4. Look Up the Business on BBB.org

Before buying from an unfamiliar store, check its BBB profile. See if there are complaints, how they were resolved, and whether the business has been around for a while.

5. Read the Fine Print on Social Media Ads

Many fake shops run targeted ads on Instagram and Facebook. Look for contact information, a return policy, and a physical address. If the only way to reach the seller is through a contact form, that is a warning.

If you get a delivery notification for a package you did not order, or a “surprise” gift from a relative, do not click the link. Instead, go directly to the carrier’s website and enter the tracking number manually.

If You Have Been Scammed

Act quickly. If you paid with a credit card, call the bank immediately and dispute the charge. Change the passwords on your email and any accounts where you may have reused them. Then report what happened to the BBB Scam Tracker and to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you shared personal information like your Social Security number, consider freezing your credit with the three major bureaus.

Sources

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): “BBB Scam Alert: Con Artists Target Mother’s Day Shoppers,” May 7, 2026.
  • Daily Herald coverage of the BBB alert.
  • FTC data on gift card scams and fraud reporting.