How to Avoid Mother’s Day Shopping Scams: BBB Alert and Safety Tips
With Mother’s Day just days away, many of us are still hunting for the perfect gift online. Scammers know this, and the Better Business Bureau has issued a fresh alert warning shoppers about a spike in cons targeting last-minute buyers. The alert, reported this week by the Daily Herald, highlights fake storefronts, phishing emails, and social media ads that look like legitimate deals but are designed to steal your money or personal information. Here is what you need to know to shop safely.
What Happened
The BBB’s scam tracker has seen a noticeable increase in reports involving Mother’s Day-related offers. According to the alert, con artists are setting up websites that mimic well-known retailers, offering deep discounts on flowers, jewelry, and personalized gifts. They also send emails that appear to come from popular brands, urging recipients to “claim a special Mother’s Day coupon” before it expires. On social media, sponsored ads for handcrafted items or custom portraits often lead to pages that disappear after a few days, leaving buyers with nothing but a charge on their card.
Why It Matters
Mother’s Day is an emotionally charged shopping holiday, and scammers leverage that urgency. People want to make their mom happy, so they may click quickly without checking the seller’s credibility. The result can be a lost purchase, a compromised credit card number, or even identity theft if the fake site asks for billing and shipping details. The BBB notes that many victims do not realize they have been scammed until after the holiday, when the gift never arrives or the card number is used elsewhere.
What Readers Can Do
You do not need to skip online shopping, but a few simple precautions can keep your money safe.
1. Research the seller before you buy.
Search for the company name plus “scam” or “complaint.” A reputable business should have a track record and a physical address. Check the BBB’s website for ratings and reviews. If the seller is new or has no online presence beyond the ad, be cautious.
2. Scrutinize the website.
Fake stores often have poor grammar, misspelled brand names, or stock photos that look generic. Look for a secure connection (the URL should start with “https://”) and a clear return policy. If the contact page lists only a Gmail address or no phone number, that is a red flag.
3. Use a credit card, not a debit card or wire transfer.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. If a charge turns out to be fraudulent, you can dispute it. Debit cards and wire transfers are much harder to reverse. Avoid paying with gift cards unless you are buying directly from a known retailer.
4. Be skeptical of “too good to be true” deals.
A 70% discount on a luxury handbag or a $20 flower arrangement that normally costs $80 is almost certainly a scam. Scammers use these eye-catching prices to lure shoppers, then deliver nothing or a cheap knockoff.
5. Do not click unsolicited links.
If an email or social media message advertises a Mother’s Day sale, go directly to the store’s official website rather than clicking the link. Phishing links can look identical to real ones but lead to a fake page designed to capture your password or payment details.
6. Act quickly if something goes wrong.
If you suspect a purchase is fraudulent, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to stop the payment. Then report the scam to the BBB’s Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In cases where identity theft might have occurred, also file a report with your local police department.
Sources
- Better Business Bureau – 2026 Mother’s Day scam alert (as reported by the Daily Herald, May 7, 2026)
- FTC – ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Stay aware, double-check before you click, and enjoy a scam-free Mother’s Day. A little caution now means a lot more peace of mind when the gifts arrive.