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A personalized item might seem like the perfect present; however, last-minute shoppers should look out for misleading ads on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok promoting customized gifts. BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports from people whose purchases ended up being far different from what they thought – if they arrived at all.
How the scam works
While scrolling through social media, the ad comes up for the cutest personalized product. It could be a clothing item with a loved one’s name on it, a keychain with a favorite pet’s face, or a paint-by-numbers kit made from a provided photograph. Whatever the case, you click the link to the company’s website. Everything looks legitimate, so you make the purchase with great anticipation.
However, when the order arrives (if it arrives at all), it’s not the quality that was expected nor imagined. The personalization might contain errors, or the product may be completely different from what the website described.
The contact for customer service doesn’t respond, or if you do speak with someone via phone or email, they assure you they will fix the issue—but never do. In the end, you are left with an undesirable product,…
