The rise of going-out-of-business sales has created an opportunity for scammers to set up fake clearance websites, tricking unsuspecting shoppers into making purchases that are never delivered. Major retailers like Bed Bath and Beyond and BuyBuy Baby have become victims of this scam, with fraudulent sites offering massive discounts on their products.
One shopper, Sydney Joyave, fell victim to one of these fake clearance websites. She received a link to a going-out-of-business BuyBuy Baby site that seemed too good to be true, offering up to 90% off the original prices. Excited about the deals, she and her friends made several purchases worth hundreds of dollars. However, it was later revealed that the site was a scam when her bank flagged the transaction as fraudulent.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about these fake clearance ads on social media. Megan O’Brien from the BBB explains that scammers target consumers looking for great deals, creating a sense of urgency to make them act quickly. It’s not just retailers going out of business; even well-known stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods have been targeted with copycat ads claiming huge savings.
To avoid falling for these scams, consumers are advised to be cautious when purchasing from unknown websites. Look for strange return addresses and URLs that do not match the official retailer’s website. In the case of BuyBuy Baby, the legitimate site now states their closure and encourages customers to join them on a new adventure.
Take extra precautions when clicking on social media clearance ads to protect yourself from losing money. Stay vigilant, verify the legitimacy of the website, and always be cautious when providing personal and financial information online.
Source: Original article – “Don’t Waste Your Money” John Matarese.
