ORLANDO, Fla. – With a popular retailer going out of business, scammers have quickly set up fake “going out of business” websites to take advantage of shoppers looking for bargains.
For those who enjoy crafting and sewing, Joann Fabric and Craft Store’s closure means deep discounts. However, buyers should be cautious.
“Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage,” said Holly Salmons, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Florida.
She explained that scammers have created fake websites that mimic Joann’s. One site claimed to offer discounts of up to 90%.
Consumers who order from these sites often never receive their purchases.
“Consumers are reporting that once they reach that site and see those prices, they are finding out the hard way that it’s not the legitimate website,” Salmons added.
More than 200 consumers have reported scams on the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker
One individual lost $256, another lost $100, and a third lost $1,300 after their debit card was hacked on a fake site.
Ads leading to these fraudulent websites are circulating on social media.
“If you see a click to go to a website and there’s the availability to purchase, right now there’s no way that is legitimately Joann’s fabric. It is a spoofed website,” Salmons warned.
Joann has now posted on its real website a warning about these fake sites, stating that as of March 5, purchases on their site have been disabled.
Customers can now only buy their products in stores.
Remember, don’t fall for the scheme, and don’t get ripped off. If you do, email Louis Bolden at LBOLDEN@WKMG.COM.
