Beware: Purported Online Joann Fabrics and Crafts Discount May Be a Fraudulent Offer
A Heads-Up for Shoppers: Caution Needed With That Too-Good-To-Be-True Sale Ad!
Looks like you're eyeing that so-called "bankruptcy sale" for Joann Fabric and Crafts, but hold up! Scammers are out there, taking advantage of our lust for a good deal. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm, warning consumers about fake online clearance sales that fraudsters are peddling – disguised as Joann Fabric and Crafts!
In February 2025, Joann Fabric and Crafts filed for bankruptcy (for the second time), and later announced their stores would be closing for good. On March 5, they ceased online purchasing, but scammers are still promoting fake online clearance sales via social media ads and running off with customers' payments.
Here's How the Joann Sale Scam Goes Down
Crafty con artists are running ads for an online Joann bankruptcy sale on platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Nextdoor. When you click the ad, you'll find yourself on a bogus sale site, complete with deals and the ability to purchase inventory items. You might even get a receipt – but don't get fooled! That's just your hard-earned cash lining the scammers' pockets. In reality, the charge on your credit card will be for something other than Joann, and your order will never show up.
Keep Your Wallet Safe from Online Sale Scams
Whether it's Joann's going-out-of-business sales or an amazing deal that's too good to resist, tread carefully before whipping out that credit card. Scams often play on our emotions, using urgency and excellent deals to trick us. So, don't hit "buy" without doing your due diligence!
Don't click on those enticing sale ads – go directly to the company's website by typing in the URL to confirm that a sale is legit. Joann's website has a notice about fraudulent online sales, stating that "there are no other authorized Joann shopping sites."
If you must shop clearance sales, consider using a credit card for the extra security it provides. Credit cards often offer more protection against fraud, such as the ability to dispute charges and receive a refund[2]. And make sure to keep all receipts!
Stay smart and safe shoppers – don't let scammers swipe your money while you're on the hunt for a great deal! Report any suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)[2].
[1] Joann Fabric and Crafts Announces Plans to Close Stores. (2025, February 25). Yahoo Finance. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/now/joann-fabric-crafts-announces-plans-113611054.html
[2] FTC Warns Consumers About Joann Fabric and Crafts Clearance Sale Scam. (2025, March 8). Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/mildredcohen/2025/03/08/ftc-warns-consumers-about-joann-fabric-and-crafts-clearance-sale-scam/?sh=6540052e6c15
[3] Joann's Online Sale Scams: How to Avoid Being Taken for a Ride. (2025, March 10). USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/03/10/joann-fraudulent-online-sale-scams-avoid-the-rip-off/6852532002/
[4] How to Spot and Avoid Online Sale Scams. (2024, December 15). Consumer Reports. Retrieved from https://www.consumerreports.org/shopping/spot-and-avoid-online-sale-scams/
[5] 5 Ways to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams. (2023, November 12). Good Housekeeping. Retrieved from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/tech-and-computing/a43995782/online-shopping-scams-avoid/
[6] Online Shopping Scams: Red Flags to Look Out For. (2022, July 8). Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/012916/online-shopping-scams-red-flags-look-out-for.asp
[7] Tips to Avoid Shopping Scams. (2020, November 24). AARP. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/shopping-scams.html
[8] Online Shopping Scams to Avoid. (2019, October 16). Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/homebusiness/2019/10/16/online-shopping-scams-to-avoid/?sh=4e450b9a22a2
[9] How to Avoid E-commerce Scams. (2018, October 11). Entrepreneur. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/322485
[10] Tips to Avoid Online Sales Scams. (2017, September 26). USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/09/26/tips-avoid-online-sales-scams/107470786/
- The Joann fabric sale, allegedly from bankruptcy, is a scam that con artists are advertising online.
- Consumers should exercise caution with Joann's too-good-to-be-true sale ads as they could be fraudulent.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises consumers to be wary of these scams, with scammers pocketing customers' payments despite displaying bogus sale sites and shipments.
- It's essential to do due diligence by confirming sales' legitimacy, going directly to the company's official website, and using credit cards for extra security against fraud.
- Report any suspected Joann's clearance sale scams to the FTC to protect both the disabled community and the retail industry's finance.
