Father’s Day is on June 15, and consumers are actively searching for and purchasing gifts for the father figures in their lives. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported a total spending of $22.4 billion on Father’s Day gifts and celebrations in 2024, with the most money spent on special outings, clothing, gift cards, and electronics. While shopping online for Father’s Day purchases, BBB reminds consumers to be wary of online purchase scams and all-inclusive packages advertised at steep discounts. Texans have reported losing over $450,000 to online purchase scams through BBB Scam Tracker so far this year.
“If it’s too good to be true, it is,” one Texas resident reported to BBB Scam Tracker. “I tried to order my husband a gift for Father’s Day and got taken for $98. I ordered some tools I found online and paid through PayPal, then my receipt said I was paying a person instead of a company, which seemed strange. I contacted PayPal immediately, but they could not return my money. It was that fast! The website was no longer active the very next day, but they already have a new one that looks the same and they always say 80% off.”
When purchasing gifts online for Father’s Day or any other celebration, it is essential to exercise caution and carefully read the limitations of purchase, expected delivery date, and source of the product. BBB’s 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report identified online purchase scams as the fourth riskiest scam affecting consumers in North America across all age groups, with 87.5% reporting a dollar loss.
While shopping for Father’s Day gifts this year, BBB recommends the following guidelines to avoid scams: Read the fine print.
Check terms and expiration dates before buying gift cards or outing packages. Make sure they’re valid for online and in-store use, and understand any restrictions.
Research before you buy. Look up companies at BBB.org and check for secure websites (look for HTTPS). Read reviews— especially for personalized gifts—to avoid poor quality or scams.
Plan ahead for shipping.
Confirm delivery timelines and guarantee dates. For pricey items, request a signature on delivery to avoid theft.
Be careful with rentals.
Get a written contract outlining all fees and policies. Inspect equipment and document any damage before use.
Know your protections.
Understand return and complaint policies. Use credit cards for better dispute options—avoid debit, wire transfers, or payment apps for risky purchases.
Avoid shady links.
Don’t click on coupons or offers from unknown sources. Instead, verify deals by visiting the company’s official website directly.
Don’t click online coupons.
If you see a post on social media or receive an email with an offer, don’t click on the link unless you’re sure the source is legitimate. Learn more about social media scams on BBB.org.
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