'Beware of fraudulent websites': Joann only accepting in-store purchases during closure
Joann, the popular fabrics and craft store that's closing all of its locations, issued a warning about potential online shopping scams during its liquidation process, encouraging customers to only shop in-person as going-out-of-business sales continue.
"Due to the demand, we are NOT accepting orders online," the store said in a recent Instagram statement. "Beware of fraudulent websites."
The announcement comes after Joann announced the closure of all its stores earlier this month. Initially, Joann had stated that only around 500 of its 800 locations across the US would close.
The Hudson, Ohio-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time within a year and auctioned its remaining assets. On Feb. 22, retail liquidator GA Group and Joann's term lenders won the bidding for the company.
In a notice to its customers, the store said purchases on its official website, Joann.com, were disabled on March 5.
"Please see your local store for all your crafting needs. Inventory varies by location," the statement said.
In the comment section, some customers complained about their orders being canceled. Others said that they were scammed by a fraudulent website. Paste BN reached out to the retailer for comment.
"Fake Joann’s websites that look EXACTLY like the original. Prices are too good to be true. It looks exact, even sends an order confirmation email," one person alleged. "I ordered something from it and my bank contacted me right away and canceled my CC."
According to ABC News, the Better Business Bureau Tracker was alerted of more than 200 phony websites. Using a credit card for purchases, not providing sensitive information, and verifying the store's URL can help consumers avoid these scams, the BBB said.
Joann faces backlash for gift card policy
Joann has been receiving pushback from customers since the chain revealed a new policy that gift cards would no longer be accepted as payment during their massive sale.
Multiple users commented on Joann's latest post about fraudulent websites to criticize the chain's decision about gift cards.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo, Paste BN
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for Paste BN. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.