SPRINGFIELD, Missouri (Edited Press Release/KY3) – Labor Day marks the end of summer and is often the last reason for weekend getaways and outdoor activities. It’s also the day when some of the biggest sales of the year occur. Unfortunately, scammers can take advantage of the hype by offering fraudulent Labor Day discounts.
“High-demand travel and shopping seasons are a prime target for scammers,” said Michelle L. Corey, president and CEO of BBB St. Louis. “If you’re planning on shopping on sale this Labor Day or taking a last-minute trip, do your research before you spend any money!”
On Labor Day 2023, a customer from Columbia, Missouri, made a purchase from a website that looked like Kate Spade’s online store. She got to the site by clicking on a sale ad on Facebook. The site turned out to be a scam website, and she never received her purchase. Unfortunately, her bank was unable to dispute the purchase because it was made with a debit card.
Whenever you shop on Labor Day—whether you’re planning a trip or taking advantage of summer sales—it’s a good idea to research the store in advance and pay with a credit card.
Travel tips for the weekend:
- Beware of outrageous offers. If a deal on a hotel, rental car or flight seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Beware of rental fraud. BBB often receives reports of fraudulent vacation rentals. Work with reputable rental companies whenever possible. Before paying any rent, find out the property address and owner’s name, and search for complaints from past customers on BBB.org.
- Share it thoughtfully on social networks. As tempting as it is to post about your big trip, strangers – even those with bad intentions – can see that you’re not home. Consider setting your social media accounts to private or saving the post for after the trip.
Tips for selling on Labor Day:
- Do not click on links or download attachments in emails about Labor Day deals, especially if they are unsolicited. Scammers often create phishing emails designed to look like those from major retailers. The links or attachments may contain malware or lead to a fraudulent website designed to steal your money or personal information.
- Find out about dealers before buying. Many major retailers run special deals on Labor Day, and rogue sellers may also try to capitalize on the summer sales trend. It’s safer to stick with brands you know and trust, but if you’re looking to try a new store, check BBB.org for ratings, reviews, and complaints before you shop.
- Shop with a credit card. This will make it easier to dispute unauthorized charges or get your money back if there is a problem. Keep receipts and order confirmations so you have a record of your purchases.
- Check the security of the website. Make sure your connection to the site is secure. The URL should start with “https://” and have a lock symbol to the left of it.
BBB.org offers more tips for safe travel and online shopping.
To report a correction or typo, please send an email to [email protected]. Please include the item information in the subject line of the email.
All rights reserved.
