With Father’s Day quickly approaching on June 18, many loved ones are actively searching for and purchasing gifts for the father figures in their lives. The National Retail Federation (NRF) is estimating a total spending of $22.9 billion on Father’s Day gifts and celebrations this year, based on the responses to their annual survey. That’s more than 10% higher than 2022, and on track to be a record year. They anticipate the most money will be spent on special outings, clothing, electronics, and gift cards.

According to NRF, 43% of Father’s Day shoppers will be searching for their gift online and the average total spending per person is expected to hit a record $196.23, up from $171.79 last year. BBB reminds consumers to be wary of online purchase scams and all-inclusive packages advertised at steep discounts while shopping for Father’s Day purchases.

When purchasing gifts online, for Father’s Day or any other celebration, it is essential to exercise caution and carefully read the limitations of the purchase, expected delivery date, and source of the product. BBB’s 2022 Scam Tracker Risk Report identified online purchase scams as the No. 1 riskiest scam affecting consumers in North America across all age groups. Online purchase scams comprised 31.9 percent of all scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker in 2022, with 74% of submissions reporting money loss. Scammers often capitalize on marketplace trends, and Father’s Day provides an opportunity for fraudulent sellers to advertise products and services disguised as gift ideas.

“If it’s too good to be true, it is,” one consumer reported to BBB Scam Tracker. “I tried to order my husband a gift for Father’s Day and got taken for $98. I ordered some tools I found online and paid through PayPal, then my receipt said I was paying a person instead of a company, which seemed strange. I contacted PayPal immediately, but they could not return my money. It was that fast! The website was no longer active the very next day, but they already have a new one that looks the same and they always say 80% off.”

While shopping for Father’s Day gifts this year, BBB recommends the following guidelines to avoid issues:

• Read the fine print. When buying gift cards or outing packages, check the terms and conditions before purchase to ensure that the expiration date and any other limitations will not be problematic. Pay close attention to any policies that may void the transaction if not followed, such as arrival times, cancellation/rescheduling processes, and if there are physical restrictions or requirements. If you give a gift card to someone who will make online purchases, be sure it is valid for in-store and online purchases.

• Watch for signs of tampering. When purchasing gift cards in stores, carefully check the packaging to be sure there’s no signs that someone has been able to access the card’s numbers and pin. If someone fraudulently captures and records this information, they could steal loaded funds once they’ve determined that a gift card has been activated.

• Do your homework. Before ordering electronics, clothing, or other gifts for Father’s Day, check out the company’s BBB Business Profile at BBB.org. Be sure to check for the ‘lock’ icon in the web address and that it begins with ‘HTTPS,’ which indicates a secured system before placing an order or inputting credit or debit card information. Gifts that include personalization options, such as names, are popular purchases for Father’s Day but can sometimes be made with low-quality materials that will not last. Read reviews and complaints from previous customers before placing an order to ensure the product received is similar to the advertised product. 

• Allow time for shipping and delivery. Check with the retailer or website to ensure you have allowed enough time to deliver any purchased gifts. Make sure that your preferred delivery date is specified clearly and guaranteed when you order. For expensive items, you may want to consider requiring the package to be signed for on delivery to prevent package theft.

• Be responsible with rentals. Sometimes to create a unique gift, rentals are involved. Before renting ATVs, campers, motorcycles, or other recreational equipment for excursions this Father’s Day, be sure you get a written contract that includes details such as the base rental cost, daily fees, insurance, and time restrictions for any equipment. Also, take the time to visually inspect the rental and get written proof of any existing damage to avoid disputes over unexpected maintenance and repair fees.

• Have a backup plan. Take the time to understand a store or service’s guarantee and other policies. Find out how the business handles customer complaints and what options you will have if the arrangement is unsatisfactory. It is best to use a credit card when ordering online due to the added protections credit cards have to dispute charges. Charges made on a debit card, wire transfer or mobile banking app are often the same as cash, and you may not be able to dispute charges if there is a problem.

• Don’t click online coupons. If you see a post on social media or receive an email with an offer, don’t click on the link unless you’re sure the source is legitimate, as it could take you to a malicious website. Suppose you see an advertisement for a product or sale online, especially on social media. In that case, search for it independently by going directly to the company’s website to verify the offer is legitimate. Learn more about social media scams on BBB.org.

If you’re shopping online, check BBB’s Tips for Smart Shopping Online and additional tips at BBB.org/onlineshopping.

Kelvin Collins is president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the Fall Line Corridor, serving 77 counties in East Alabama, West Georgia, Southwest Georgia, Central Georgia, East Georgia, and Western South Carolina. This tips column is provided through the local BBB and the International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB). The Better Business Bureau sets standards for ethical business behavior, monitors compliance and helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at Phone: 1-800-763-4222, Web site: BBB.org or E-mail: info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org