BBB recommends simple steps to avoid Mother's Day Shopping Scams

Mother's Day is HERE and whether ordering flowers, shopping for jewelry, or arranging a special spa day for your mother, be a smart consumer. The Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Georgia warns consumers to proceed with caution before falling victim to Mother's Day vendor rip-offs, especially when shopping online.

While some people are extremely happy with their online purchases, others find themselves disappointed when their orders don't arrive on time, or don't arrive at all. Whether you purchase flowers, jewelry or gift cards consumers need to shop smart.

BBB recommends the following when selecting Mother's Day gifts in-store or online:

• Do your homework. Before ordering flowers, jewelry or any other gifts for Mother's Day, check out the company's BBB Business Review at bbb.org/atlanta. To search for a BBB Accredited Business, please use our BBB Accredited Directory.

• Never enter your personal information in a pop-up screen. When you visit a company's website, an unauthorized pop-up screen created by an identity thief could appear, with blanks for you to provide your personal information. Legitimate companies don't ask for personal information via pop-up screens. Install pop-up blocking software to avoid this type of scam.

• Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the retailer or website to be certain that you have allowed enough time for delivery. Make sure that this date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. If you order ahead of time, delivery and other charges will be less than last-minute or overnight shipping. Some florists offer discounts for deliveries a couple of days before a major holiday, since that helps them deal with the rush.

• Keep documentation of your order. When you've completed the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page and/or you might receive confirmation by email. Print or save that information and keep it handy in case you need it later.
• Have a back-up plan. Make sure you understand the store's guarantee. Find out how customer complaints are handled and what recourse you will have if the arrangement is not satisfactory. It's best to use a credit card when ordering online, because you can dispute charges if the vendor doesn't come through.

• Make sure the business has your information. When it comes to flower delivery, there are times when delivery instructions need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Making sure the florist has a call-back phone number or your cell phone to help them make sure your mom gets what you expect.

Final thought – be extremely cautious of phishing email scams. Scammers also employ bait and switch tactics on consumers around Mother’s Day. Email scammers do a great job of playing on our emotions to lure us into their elusive trap. Remember that it is important to look for emails with spelling and grammar errors, and excessive use of caps lock are tell-tale signs of a phishing scam.

For companies you can trust please visit bbb.org/atlanta.