North Carolina Is Falling For The Joann Fabric Closing SCAM

North Carolina shoppers may have heard that JOANN Fabric & Craft stores are closing some locations and offering major clearance deals. But while the in-store discounts are legitimate, online scammers are taking advantage of the situation by luring customers with fake websites and offers that seem too good to be true.

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Several residents have reported seeing ads for “JOANN Bankruptcy Sales” on popular platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Nextdoor. These ads lead to websites pretending to be JOANN’s official store, offering fabric, crafts, and supplies for up to 90% off. But the reality is: JOANN has stopped all online clearance sales, and any advertisement claiming otherwise is likely a scam.

Fake Sites Are Tricking Customers Out of Their Money

Here’s how the scam usually works:You click on the ad, land on a convincing but fraudulent site, and fill your cart with bargain deals. Once you check out, you’ll receive a confirmation email—but it won’t be from JOANN. Many people only realize something’s wrong after seeing a strange charge on their bank statement from an unrelated business or unfamiliar name. And worse, the items they paid for never show up.

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How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

To stay safe from these fake JOANN sales, here’s what to keep in mind:

Be cautious of massive discounts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers use steep discounts to pressure shoppers into acting quickly without thinking.
Verify sales with the official source. Visit JOANN’s verified website directly by typing in the address yourself. Don’t trust links from ads or social media.
Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer better fraud protection. Save all records in case you need to dispute a charge.

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Report Scams and Warn Others

If you spot one of these fake JOANN sales online, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It’s also a good idea to let friends and family know, especially those who love crafting and may be looking for deals.

In North Carolina, JOANN clearance sales are only happening inside their physical stores, so if you’re looking for a bargain, skip the clicks and head to your local shop.