Mother’s Day Shopping Scams Are on the Rise: How to Shop Safely This Year

Introduction

Mother’s Day is one of the biggest spending occasions of the year, and scammers know it. With record amounts expected to flow into online gift purchases, fraudsters are rolling out fake deals, phishing emails, and gift card tricks aimed at parting shoppers from their money. This article explains what’s happening, why it should matter to you, and most importantly, what you can do to shop safely.

What Happened

News reports, including a recent warning from WREX, indicate that Mother’s Day scammers are stepping up their efforts. The trend is tied to projections of record spending—shoppers are expected to spend more than ever on gifts, and cybercriminals are following the money. Common tactics include:

  • Fake websites that mimic well-known retailers like 1-800-Flowers, Etsy, or Amazon. They often use look-alike domain names (e.g., 1-800-flowers-deals.com) and push “limited-time discounts” that are too good to be true.
  • Phishing emails disguised as “free shipping” offers or “special Mother’s Day coupons.” These emails may contain links that steal login credentials or install malware.
  • Gift card scams where scammers claim a payment problem and demand payment via gift cards, or where counterfeit gift card displays are placed in stores with tampered activation codes.

The WREX article notes that law enforcement and consumer protection agencies are urging shoppers to verify sellers before entering payment information.

Why It Matters

For the average shopper, a scam can mean losing the money intended for a gift, the embarrassment of sending nothing, or even identity theft. Because Mother’s Day is a sentimental occasion, scammers rely on emotional urgency—people want to surprise Mom and often rush through purchases without checking details.

Beyond the immediate financial loss, gift card scams rarely get recovered. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing over $200 million to gift card scams in a recent year. Phishing attacks can also lead to compromised accounts and stolen personal data.

The growth of online shopping makes it easier for scammers to appear legitimate. A fake website can look professional with product photos, reviews (often fabricated), and a convincing checkout process. Without careful scrutiny, it’s easy to hand over your credit card to a criminal.

What Readers Can Do

Here are practical steps to protect yourself when shopping for Mother’s Day.

Before You Buy

  • Stick to known retailers. If you’re not sure about a store, do a quick search with the words “scam” or “complaint” alongside the store name.
  • Check the URL carefully. Look for misspellings, extra words, or a different top-level domain (e.g., .shop instead of .com).
  • Read reviews on a third-party site like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. Be skeptical if all reviews are five stars with similar phrasing.
  • Use a credit card, not a debit card or wire transfer. Credit cards offer better fraud protection under federal law.
  • For deals that seem incredible (like 80% off a popular perfume), assume they are too good to be true. Scammers love high discounts.

While You Browse

  • Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts if available. This adds a layer of security.
  • Don’t click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser.
  • Avoid making purchases over public Wi-Fi unless you use a VPN.

If You Suspect a Scam

  • Stop the transaction. If you haven’t completed payment, close the page.
  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately if you shared card details. They can issue a chargeback or freeze the account.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps warn others.
  • Change passwords on any accounts you may have used on a suspicious site.

Sources

  • WREX: “Watch for Mother’s Day shopping scams amid record spending” (May 7, 2026). Link to article
  • Federal Trade Commission: “Gift Card Scams” – ftc.gov/gift-cards

No matter how tempted you are by a last-minute deal, slowing down for a few extra checks can keep Mother’s Day special for the right reasons. Stay safe, and happy shopping.