Scammers are scamming last-minute bargain hunters looking for the perfect floral bouquet for Mother’s Day, a consumer expert warns.
One victim was charged four times, four days in a row, for the same amount, from the same supplier.
3
3
With Mother’s Day just two days away, Austin Calabaza shared his Better Business Bureau (BBB) New Mexico experience.
“Many scammers are actively looking for their next victim,” he told the local NBC affiliate. KOB-TV.
The broadcaster said flowers, jewelry and special trips are common Mother’s Day gifts, but if shoppers aren’t careful, their money could end up in the hands of greedy fraudsters.
Calabaza warned that many scammers are actively looking for their next victim at this special time of year.
BBB.org/ScamTracker received several reports of buyers turning to online florists for last-minute orders.
“I selected a bouquet, placed an order with a credit card,” recalls the customer.
However, the ordered flowers never arrived and she was charged four times, four days in a row, for the same amount, from the same dubious seller.
But there was no response when she called the company’s phone number to complain, she told BBB in February.
“Consumers therefore need to be alert, especially to a lot of advertising, for example on social media, as they may see a deal that is too good to be true,” said Calabaza.
Typing error
These scams often lure hurried shoppers with online advertisements – so you should be extremely cautious about what you click on.
“When you start reading this ad, it may not have those secure connections.
“The company may not even be here in the country, or it may have small typing errors that could confuse you”, explained the expert.
Mother’s Day flower sales are the second highest sales period for local florists.
Therefore, when purchasing bouquets, make sure the company matches their website.
Please also ensure that all fees and delivery dates are specified in your order.
GIFT CARD INFRINGEMENT
“Make sure you read the fine print — if there are any delivery or cancellation fees,” Calabaza said.
And if you buy a gift card, make sure it hasn’t been tampered with, as apparently this is a serious problem in the state.
“Make sure it is sealed properly and always keep your receipts too.
“If you can, buy a card gift receipt, just for that added layer of protection,” he added.
Mother’s Day gift scams – what to watch out for
Scams often start with online advertisements.
You might think it’s a good deal.
But you should be extra careful when clicking on something that seems too good to be true.
The site may not have secure connections.
The company may not even be in this country.
Or the text may contain typos and other obvious errors.
BBB website says Mother’s Day scams can take many forms.
“You come across a website that promises beautiful flowers delivered on time and for a reasonable price. You enter your credit card information and delivery details.
“In most cases, your flowers are delivered but don’t arrive on time, are damaged and/or look nothing like the photo.
“Your attempts to obtain a full or partial refund go unanswered or are flatly refused.
“In other scams, your flowers are never delivered and the online florist is inaccessible.
“Other consumers have reported that after paying, they are contacted by the florist and forced to update their purchase, paying extra for something they don’t want,” according to the website.
O BBB Scam Tracker is a free online tool that anyone can use to report suspected scams.
These reports help alert other buyers so that other consumers can avoid similar cons.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
