Joann Fabrics Is Shutting Down — And Scammers Are Taking Advantage

Joann, the well-known fabric and craft retailer, is closing its doors — and unfortunately, scammers are exploiting this situation to prey on unsuspecting customers. If you or someone you know enjoys DIY projects, it’s essential to remain vigilant.

This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a caution regarding a surge of scams related to Joann’s closure. Fraudsters are placing misleading advertisements online and on social media, asserting they are offering massive discounts as part of a liquidation sale. These ads frequently direct users to bogus websites created to capture your personal and financial details.

According to the FTC:

“Individuals report encountering ads for an online JOANN bankruptcy sale while browsing platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest, or Nextdoor. However, JOANN is no longer offering online sales — their official website attests to this. If you engage with one of these ads, you’ll be redirected to a phony JOANN site showcasing unrealistically low prices. Once you complete a purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email — but it won’t originate from JOANN. Your bank or credit card statement will indicate a charge from an alternate company, and you probably won’t receive any products.”

To clarify: While Joann is indeed closing, any online “going-out-of-business” sale you encounter is fraudulent. Joann has terminated all online sales.

What Should You Do If You Encounter a Joann Scam?

The FTC recommends that all authentic Joann closing sales are taking place solely in-store. If you come across an online advertisement stating otherwise, avoid clicking it — and consider reporting it to the respective platform where you observed it.

Here are a few more suggestions from the FTC:

– Be wary of offers that appear too good to be true.
– Always utilize a credit card for online purchases, as they generally provide superior fraud protection.
– If you’ve previously clicked on one of these advertisements and provided personal or payment information, reach out to your bank or credit card provider without delay.

Have You Been Targeted by a Scam?

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam or faced a security breach, Mashable wants to hear your experience. Share your story by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Safety Net,” or complete this form. A member of the Mashable team may follow up with you.