Gift Card Scams

Don’t Let a Mother’s Day Scam Spoil Your Gift — How to Shop Safely Amid Record Spending Mother’s Day is just days away, and if you haven’t bought a gift yet, you’re part of a large, last-minute crowd. The National Retail Federation is projecting record spending this year — something that fraudsters are already betting on. Scammers know that shoppers under time pressure are more likely to click first and think later. Before you hit “buy” on that perfect bouquet or the discounted electronics deal your mom has been eyeing, take a moment to understand the most common traps. ...

How to Avoid Mother’s Day Shopping Scams This Year Mother’s Day is one of the biggest spending occasions of the year, and 2026 is expected to be no exception. According to recent reports, total spending could top $35 billion. That kind of money attracts scammers as much as it attracts shoppers. If you’re buying gifts online this week, a few minutes of caution could save you from losing both your money and your peace of mind. ...

Mother’s Day Shopping Scams Surge with Record Spending – Here’s How to Stay Safe Mother’s Day is this weekend, and Americans are expected to spend more than ever on gifts, dinners, and experiences. According to a recent report from WREX, record spending projections this May 10 have already caught the attention of scammers. If you’re planning to buy something for Mom—whether flowers, jewelry, or a thoughtful gadget—it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the common tricks being used right now and how to avoid them. ...

Mother’s Day Shopping Scams: How to Spot Fake Deals and Stay Safe Mother’s Day spending has been climbing for years—recent estimates put the total at more than $30 billion nationally. As the holiday approaches, scammers are taking notice. Fake online stores, phishing emails disguised as gift guides, and counterfeit products are showing up earlier and more frequently than usual. If you’re planning to buy a gift online, it helps to know what to look for. ...

Mother’s Day Shopping Alert: How to Spot and Avoid Scams This Season Mother’s Day is one of the busiest shopping periods of the year, and this season is expected to see record online spending. Where money flows, scammers follow. Local news outlets such as WREX have already reported on the heightened risk of fraud, warning consumers to stay alert. The good news is that most scams follow predictable patterns. Knowing a few red flags and simple precautions can keep your gift from turning into a headache. ...

Mother’s Day Shopping Scams Are on the Rise: What to Watch For Mother’s Day is one of the biggest gift-giving occasions of the year, and this year is expected to be no exception. Analysts project record spending in 2026, with more consumers turning to online deals, social media ads, and mobile shopping than ever before. Unfortunately, that same surge in shopping activity also attracts scammers looking to cash in on the rush. ...

Mother’s Day Shoppers Beware: Common Scams and How to Avoid Them Mother’s Day is just a few days away, and many people are still shopping for gifts. Unfortunately, scammers know this too. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a consumer alert warning that con artists are actively targeting Mother’s Day shoppers with fake websites, phishing emails, and gift card fraud. If you’re finishing up your gift buying online, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to verify who you’re dealing with. ...

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. ...

Watch Out for These Mother’s Day Shopping Scams, Warns BBB Mother’s Day is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, and scammers know it. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued an alert on May 7, 2026, warning that con artists are actively targeting shoppers with fake deals, phishing emails, and fraudulent delivery offers. If you’re buying gifts this week, a few minutes of caution can save you money and frustration. ...

Holiday shopping scams are on the rise: How to protect your money and identity The holiday shopping season is a prime opportunity for scammers. With more people buying gifts online, scammers ramp up their efforts with fake websites, phishing texts, and too-good-to-be-true deals. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reported fraud losses hit $12.5 billion in 2024 — a record high. And the holiday months typically see a spike in reports. ...