BBB Cautions Shoppers to Stay Alert During Annual July Sales Events
As major retailers launch their annual July sales, Better Business Bureau serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, is encouraging consumers to take advantage of the savings safely. With more people shopping online and in stores, scammers are also ramping up their efforts to target unsuspecting buyers through phishing emails, fake ads, and deceptive websites.
These high-volume shopping periods are a win for businesses and consumers alike, but they also present opportunities for scammers.
“With so many great deals happening in July, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement,” said Robyn Householder, President & CEO of BBB serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. “But scammers are counting on that. We are urging shoppers to pay close attention while hunting for bargains. With just a few precautions, you can enjoy great deals and avoid trading your savings for a scam.”
Here are a few tips to help you avoid scams in the upcoming weeks:
Research Before You Buy: Check customer reviews and confirm that a business has clear contact information. Visit BBB.org to see if the retailer is BBB Accredited and to read customer feedback.
Evaluate Social Media Ads Carefully: Scammers often mimic trusted brands with lookalike websites. Watch for small changes in URL spellings (e.g., PopvlarStore.com vs. PopularStore.com) and verify that the website includes correct contact info and secure checkout processes.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with a credit card whenever possible to protect yourself in case of fraudulent charges. Avoid payments via prepaid cards, money apps, or wire transfers these are commonly used in scams.
Don’t Trust Photos Alone: Scammers often steal images from legitimate sites. If something seems off blurry logos, mismatched product names proceed with caution.
If you were the victim of a scam, visit BBB.org/Scamtracker or if you would like to file a complaint visit https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint
We are here to assist our community so please reach out to us by phone 615-242-4222 or email info@gobbb.org if you have additional questions.
