St. Louis – Are you on the lookout for the toy your child has been asking you about all year? Better Business Bureau ® (BBB®) has tips for avoiding scams that can trick you into buying a fake (or non-existent) version.
Each year, there’s a new suite of in-demand toys for holiday gifts. Major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target have released curated lists of their predicted holiday bestsellers for kids of all ages.
But don’t let the chaos of the season or the pressure to get the perfect gift keep you from doing your research. In cases reported to BBB Scam Tracker, some holiday shoppers thought they were ordering a high-quality toy for a great price, only to receive a counterfeit version or nothing at all.
“In reports to BBB, we often see scammers taking advantage of situations that cause heightened emotions and urgency, like when you’re looking for a sold-out toy at the last minute,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “We advise shoppers to slow down and look carefully before ordering.”
In December 2024, an Edwardsville, IL consumer lost $200 when she attempted to purchase a baby doll for her daughter from a website she thought was legitimate. She received a tracking number, but the information was inaccurate, and USPS told her they never received the doll from the retailer. She contacted the company for a refund but did not receive a response, and when she researched online, she found that other customers had had the same experience.
How do I avoid scams while toy shopping?
Be careful with ads on social media. Scammers can do market research and may know what toy you’re searching for. Remember that pretty much anyone can pay to sponsor a social media post or promote an ad spot on search engines – even if they have ill intentions. Instead of clicking on a link from a social media ad, open a browser and go directly to trusted retailer websites.
Don’t be fooled by extra- low prices. Unreasonably low prices are a red flag for a scam on many products. Avoid making a purchase from a retailer you aren’t familiar with just because the price sounds too good to be true – it probably is!
Only buy toys from reputable stores and websites. The best way to avoid getting scammed when purchasing toys is to buy them directly from a seller you know and trust.
Check for look-alikes. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a famous retailer’s website. Double-check that the URL is spelled correctly. If the site is missing contact information for the business, that’s a red flag.
Research new stores a n d w e b s i t e s w i t h BBB. If you’re thinking about ordering from a new place, look the retailer up at BBB.org before you pay. Look for complaints and reviews to learn about past customers’ experiences, and check to see if the company is BBB Accredited. If a company seems legitimate, but you aren’t familiar with it, be extra careful with your personal information.
Check site security. If the site is secure, its URL should start with “https://” and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping cart page.
Use a credit card. That way, it’s easier to dispute charges you didn’t approve or get your money back if there’s a problem.
Keep receipts. Save a copy of the email confirmation until you receive the toy you ordered. Know the return policy and document it along with your purchase records.
