SCAM ALERT: Last minute gift shopping for Mother’s Day, prime time for scammers

Mother’s Day- it’s one day a year where we can show our moms just how loved they are. This year the National Retail Federation estimates people will spend about $186.39 on to make their mom’s feel special.

Better Business Bureau’s Samantha Gillihan says because of this, it only leaves more chances for scammers to take advantage of people. “Maybe you’re running out of time maybe your mom lives across the country so maybe they’ll get your money and mom will be disappointed,” said Gillihan.

There are a myriad of scams out there especially when it comes to shopping online. Some newer scams though might even take advantage of people living away from their parents. In some cases, third-parties advertise cheaper air fares “you want to make sure that you get that confirmation through the airline,” said Gillihan “anytime you’re doing one of these super discounted airfares- use a credit card because they have that fraud protection in case it’s not.”

This is just one example of a scam currently circulating for last minute shoppers, KIDK Eyewitness News 3 and Local News 8 want to make sure you’re shopping safely ahead of the holiday.

The following are a list of scams reported to our regional Better Business Bureau office

Floral Arrangements Since Mother’s Day is the second highest sales period for florists, it’s important to find a trustworthy business. Your BBB received more than 4,200 inquiries to florist shops in the BBB Northwest region alone. Complaints filed include late delivery of flowers, arrangements not delivered at all or they don’t look like what was advertised. If sending mom flowers in another city, it is best to check online for a florist in her area. Check out the florist’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org and then place the order directly with that shop.

Gift Cards Check for any fees, expiration dates and terms and conditions of any gift cards. Some stores limit gift cards to “in store only” purchases, making it useless for online shopping. When buying the card by phone or online, verify whether there will be any shipping and handling fees.

Jewelry This year, 36 percent of shoppers will be purchasing jewelry, spending a total of $5 billion. Jewelry shoppers should make sure to request a receipt for the piece, ask about the business’s refund and exchange policy, and make sure to leave enough time for shipping and delivery, if applicable.

Electronics Planning to buy mom a new phone, tablet or other electronic device? Make sure to leave it in the original packaging to make sure returns and exchanges can be made. When shopping online for these devices, watch out for significantly lower prices than other merchants. These could potentially turn into a bait and switch scam.