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Scammers are always on the prowl on special occasions and Mother’s Day is no exception. In a bid to find the perfect gift for mom, sometimes we may overlook the warning signs of a scam.
Like any other holiday scam, Mother’s’ Day scams follow a similar pattern as scammers use common tactics to defraud unsuspecting people. Some of the common scams include phishing, shopping scams, gift card scams and bait and switch scams.
These scams are designed to steal either your money or your personal data, with a Mother’s Day theme added for extra appeal. It’s vital to be aware of these shady practices and keep an eye out for any suspicious activities. Don’t let scammers ruin your special day with Mom!
Here are some of the Mothers’ scams to watch out for:
Flower Scams
According to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, Americans spent over $31 billion on gifts in 2022. It’s expected that in 2023, each person will spend $274 on average on Mother’s Day gifts, up from $246 in 2022.
People are expected to spend close to $25 on flowers, which means fraudsters will be looking for a share of the money. Be on the lookout for crazy offers of over 50% off on one-day-only deals. Since flowers are probably the last thing you buy, there is a tendency to rush and overlook some obvious signs.
Some will open flashy websites or post on social media with crazy offers and huge discounts.
The tricky part is, you will not call your mom to ask her for a picture of the flowers she got. Thus, scammers can take advantage and use bait-and-switch tactics to deliver low-quality, smaller packages for higher fees.
It’s always prudent to work with a local florist, someone you can reach out should anything go amiss.
Amazon Phishing Scams
Recently, survey requests have become a common theme in fraud. Many people agree, gratified that someone is interested in their viewpoint. Scammers entice victims by claiming to provide free gifts.
However, there is no giveaway, and instead, scammers amass a great deal of personal data that may be traded on the dark web.
Avoid this cleverly disguised phishing plot by steering clear of any giveaways that use names of big brands such as Amazon.
Online Shopping Scams
Online shopping scams are always a concern, with scammers constantly looking for new ways to steal from unsuspecting buyers. These scams often involve popular items like electronics and jewelry as they can be high-priced and in high demand, especially during Mother’s Day season.
Scammers may set up fake online shops that appear legitimate such as the screenshot below, or they may sell counterfeit and low-quality items.
Between April and May 2022, Trend Micro’s research team detected 542,307 Mother’s Day-related shopping scams across the globe which reiterates the need to be extra careful.
As always, when a deal sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is. Approach any unreasonably low-priced product with caution and keep off any last-minute rush.
How to Avoid Mother’s Day Scams
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the special women in our lives, but it is also a time when scammers are more active. Here are some tips to help you avoid Mother’s Day scams:
- Be wary of unsolicited emails and text messages. If you receive an email or text message from someone you do not know, do not click on any links or open any attachments.
- Do not give out personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card information, to anyone you do not know and trust.
- Be careful about what you post on social media. Scammers can use information you post online to target you with scams.
- Call your neighborhood flower shop to be sure they are linked with the website before placing an online order.
- When sending flowers to your mother who lives in another city, it is recommended to search online for the closest florist and allow extra time for delivery.
- If you think you have been scammed, report it to law enforcement: Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from Mother’s Day scams. Stay safe and have a happy Mother’s Day!
