If your cart’s full of fabric but your package never arrives, you didn’t just lose out on a good sale—you got stitched up.
In this publication, we're exposing a new scam that’s surged alongside the closure of Joann stores across the country. With real websites shutting down, scammers are spinning up fake ones—and they’re easy to fall for.
Scammers are creating fake Joann “going-out-of-business” websites offering 80–90% off craft supplies. Over 400 people have already reported falling for it.
How It Works:
-
The Bait:
You see a Facebook or Instagram ad for a Joann liquidation sale—prices are too good to pass up. -
The Fake Site:
The link leads to a lookalike website mimicking Joann’s real one. It uses official logos, fonts, and even offers bonus discounts to seal the deal. -
The Trap:
Once you add items to your cart and enter your details, the scammers either steal your information or take your money without sending anything. -
The Aftermath:
Your inbox gets bombarded with fake order emails urging you to complete your purchase. If you try contacting “customer service,” you’ll reach a fake hotline pushing unrelated offers—or nothing at all.
Who’s Targeted:
- Online shoppers, especially those familiar with Joann’s product line
- Social media users, where the fake ads are heavily promoted
- Budget-conscious consumers drawn in by steep discounts during store closures
Real-Life Example:
One shopper saw a Facebook ad for 90% off and clicked through. “The website looked identical to Joann Fabric,” they wrote on the BBB Scam Tracker. Thankfully, they stopped short of paying. But the emails kept coming, pressuring them to complete the order.
Another customer wasn’t as lucky. They placed an order, never received their items, and realized they were duped when attempts to contact the site led to a recorded line trying to sell insurance. Their warning? “The scammer copied the Joann Fabrics website in extreme detail.”
Why You Should Care:
Losing $20 on a fake sale might sound minor—until your credit card details, address, or even social security number ends up in the hands of cybercriminals. Beyond money, these scams can lead to identity theft, ongoing spam, and unwanted charges.
As Joann shuts down 400+ stores, more fake websites are expected to pop up. And these scammers don’t stop at craft supplies—they pivot to the next vulnerable moment, and the next.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Shop In-Person Only for Joann Sales
Joann.com has disabled all purchases, so any site claiming to sell online right now is fake.
• Double-Check the URL
Only trust www.joann.com. Scammers use URLs like jo-ann-storesale.com to trick you.
• Don’t Click on Social Media Ads
If a sale looks suspicious, don’t click through an ad. Go directly to the official website by typing the address into your browser.
• Use Credit, Not Debit, for Online Shopping
Credit cards offer better fraud protection and can reverse unauthorized charges.
• Avoid Giving Personal Info
Never submit your SSN, date of birth, or unrelated security answers when shopping online.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: Scammers replicate real websites with frightening accuracy—even trained eyes can miss the red flags.
Pro Tip: Use a password manager or browser autofill to detect fake sites—if your saved info doesn’t populate, it may not be the real website.
Update: The FTC and BBB have issued alerts warning consumers about these scams. Joann’s official site reminds shoppers that in-store purchases only are being honored during the closure period.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords:
• Fake Liquidation Website – A scam site pretending to be an official store during a business closure to steal user data or money.
• Phishing Scam – A tactic where fraudsters impersonate legitimate businesses to collect personal or financial information.
• URL Spoofing – Creating web addresses that closely mimic real ones to deceive users.
• Social Media Scam Ad – A paid advertisement placed by scammers to drive traffic to fraudulent websites.
• Fraud Protection – Credit card and identity security features that help recover stolen funds or block malicious transactions.
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