Mother’s Day is a time to show love and appreciation, often with gifts like flowers, sweets, or keepsakes. But for last-minute shoppers, the rush to find something special can lead to falling for fake online shops and flower scams. Here’s how to avoid being tricked by too-good-to-be-true deals.
Start by shopping only on trusted websites. Stick with well-known retailers or local florists with verified online stores. If you’re unfamiliar with a shop, look up reviews and check for a physical address and working customer service number. A lack of contact details or a website filled with poor grammar and misspellings are red flags.
Be especially cautious with online ads or social media offers, which often target last-minute shoppers with “limited-time” deals or deep discounts. These ads may lead to fake sites that collect your payment but never deliver the product—or send something far different than advertised.
Before making a purchase, look for secure payment options. Check for a padlock icon in the web browser and make sure the site URL begins with “https.” Avoid sellers who ask for wire transfers, payment apps, or gift cards.
Also, watch for phony flower delivery services. Scammers may claim they can deliver by Mother’s Day, only to disappear with your money. Use florists with a good track record and delivery guarantees.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify a seller can save you frustration—and ensure that your thoughtful gift truly brings joy, not disappointment.
