LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Cybercriminals are trying to make money off big-name retailers’ bankruptcies. They’re creating fake sites claiming to sell their clearance items at deep discounts.
The Better Business Bureau says it’s happening most recently with Joann Fabrics. It shuts down all its stores at the end of May.
Here’s how it works: Grifters pose fake “going out of business” ads on social media. They’ll promise you liquidation discounts on the same items you’d find in the store. The ad takes you to a website that looks just like the real thing, right down to the logos, but it’s an impostor site designed to steal your personal and financial information.
The BBB warns to always confirm a retail website’s URL before buying anything. The fake site is often only off by a couple of letters or characters, or may have extra words while still looking convincing. It advises skipping the ad and going directly to the retailer’s official site.
Always use a credit card for online purchases. They offer the highest level of fraud protection.
Be careful about what personal or financial information you provide to anyone online. A seller asking for information that steps outside normal checkout procedures should always raise a red flag. It’s likely a scam.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
