Mother’s Day Scams Are Rising: How to Shop Safely Online
Mother’s Day is one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and unfortunately, that also makes it a prime opportunity for scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a fresh alert warning consumers about con artists who are actively targeting last‑minute gift buyers. If you’re planning to shop online for mom this week, it pays to know what to look for—and what to avoid.
What Happened
According to a report from the Daily Herald, the BBB released a scam alert specifically for Mother’s Day shoppers. The advisory details several common tactics that fraudsters are using right now: fake online stores offering steep discounts, phishing emails pretending to be from reputable retailers, and gift card scams that pressure you into making unusual payments. These schemes appear each year around major holidays, but the volume tends to spike as the date gets closer. The BBB’s warning isn’t based on a single incident but on a pattern of complaints they’ve received from consumers in recent weeks.
Why It Matters
Most people are in a hurry to find the perfect gift, and that urgency can lead to less careful clicking. Scammers exploit that sense of time pressure. A fake ad on social media for a handbag at 80 percent off might look like a steal, but the site may not deliver anything—or worse, it may steal your credit card details. Similarly, a phishing email that appears to come from a well‑known florist could trick you into entering your login credentials or even your Social Security number.
The financial loss can range from a few dollars to several hundred, but the real risk goes beyond money. Stolen personal information can be used for identity theft, and malicious links can install malware on your device. The BBB alert is a reminder that the same convenience that makes online shopping great also makes it a playground for fraudsters when people are distracted and in a rush.
What Readers Can Do
You don’t need to avoid online shopping altogether, but a few simple precautions can dramatically reduce your risk.
Spot the red flags.
- If a deal seems too good to be true—like a popular perfume or electronics item at a price that’s far below anywhere else—it often is.
- Look closely at the website. Does the domain name look odd (e.g., “macys‑deals.shop” instead of “macys.com”)? Is there no phone number or physical address? Poor grammar and pixelated images are also warning signs.
- Be suspicious of emails or text messages that ask you to click a link immediately to “claim your reward” or “confirm your order.” Hover over the link before clicking; if the destination doesn’t match the sender’s name, don’t click.
Shop smart.
- Stick with retailers you know and trust. If you’re trying a new site, check its BBB rating and read recent customer reviews—not just the ones on the site itself, but on third‑party platforms like Trustpilot or the BBB’s own site.
- Use a credit card whenever possible. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps. Avoid wiring money or buying gift cards to pay for a regular purchase; that’s a classic scam move.
- Make sure your browser shows a padlock icon and the URL starts with “https://” before you enter any payment information.
If you think you’ve been scammed.
- Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. They can freeze your account and start a chargeback if needed.
- Change the passwords on any accounts you may have used on the fraudulent site.
- Report the scam to the BBB’s Scam Tracker and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Even if you can’t recover your money, your report can help warn others.
Sources
- Daily Herald article: “BBB scam alert: Con artists target Mother’s Day shoppers” (published May 7, 2026)
- Better Business Bureau scam alert and Scam Tracker
- Federal Trade Commission consumer guidance on gift card scams and phishing
Mother’s Day is meant to be a celebration, not a headache. Taking an extra minute to verify a website or delete a suspicious email can mean the difference between a thoughtful gift delivered on time and a wasted expense—or worse. Stay alert, shop safely, and give mom something she’ll actually enjoy.