If you see an ad for extremely discounted Halloween costumes, beware!
BBB Scam Tracker has received a few reports of phony websites offering deals that are too good to be true or fake coupons sent via email. Here’s how to spot these impostor sites and avoid being tricked.
How this scam works
You see an ad online or receive an email for Halloween costumes with shockingly low prices—claims like “overstock clearance,” “90% off,” or “reduced prices.” It looks like a great deal, especially with Halloween right around the corner.
But before you click “buy,” take a closer look. One consumer shared this experience on BBB Scam Tracker:
“Sent email stating 90% coupon off all [company name redacted] items. Clicked on it and ordered items. Next day my bank said fraud alert. I called and denied all actions and cancelled card.”
Other consumers reported clicking on social media ads promising great deals on costumes and decorations only to find out that they’ve shared their credit card information on phony websites and purchased items that they will never receive.
If you’re tempted by these “too good to be true” deals, keep these tips in mind before making a purchase.
How to avoid similar scams
- Research before you buy. Search online for terms like "scam" or "complaint," or look up the company’s name on BBB.org to see if others have reported issues.
- Check for contact information. Legitimate retailers generally provide a physical address and customer service phone number. Be cautious if a website only has an email form.
- Try a fake website checker. Website checkers, such as Google’s Safe Browsing tool, can also help you decide whether a website is safe to visit.
- Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Extreme discounts on trending costumes can be a red flag. Check prices from reputable retailers to confirm.
- Use secure payment methods. Credit cards and other secure payment methods offer fraud protection. Avoid direct bank transfers or unusual payment options.
- Trust fraud alerts from your bank. If your bank flags a purchase, contact them immediately to review your options.
