Skip to main content

Watch Out For These Fake Sites Promising Bargains

 Don't Get Scammed


Scams are everywhere, and unfortunately, some of them are getting trickier by the day. With Joann’s bankruptcy news, scammers are taking advantage of concerned shoppers looking for deals or trying to stock up on their favorite yarns and craft supplies. Here’s what you need to watch out for to protect yourself.

Fake Joann Websites – They Look Real, But They’re Not!

A friend of mine recently sent me screenshots of an ad she saw on Facebook for Joann’s “massive liquidation sale.” The website looked just like Joann’s official site, but something seemed off. The URL wasn’t Joann.com—it had strange hyphens and extra words that didn’t belong. That’s a big red flag! If you see a website offering 90% off expensive products, like a $400 sewing machine for $40, chances are it’s a scam.

How Scammers Trick You

Once you click on these fake ads, you might start seeing more and more of them on your social media feeds. These scam sites use stolen product images and claim to offer massive discounts that seem too good to be true—because they are! You might either get nothing after paying or receive a cheap knockoff from a third-party seller overseas.

Joann’s Real Liquidation Sale – What to Expect

While Joann is indeed in financial trouble, their current sales aren’t as dramatic as scammers make it seem. In-store and online discounts are around 40% off at most—not the absurd 90% that fake sites claim. Stores are still packed with shoppers grabbing what they can before items run out, but don’t let panic shopping lead you into a scam.

What to Look for to Avoid Scams

  • Check the URL: Joann’s official website is Joann.com. Anything different (like jo-ann.com or joann-liquidation.com) is likely fake.

  • Watch for too-good-to-be-true prices: If you see a deal that seems impossible, it probably is.

  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links in ads or emails: If you receive an email claiming to be from Joann, go directly to their official website instead of clicking links.

  • Be wary of “big twist” sales: Big Twist is Joann’s private-label yarn. If a random website claims to have tons of Big Twist, it’s probably a scam.

Buying Yarn After Joann Closes

If you love Big Twist and want to stock up, there are safe ways to do it:

  • Ask fellow crafters: Friends or local craft groups might have extra they’re willing to sell or trade.

  • Check reputable resellers: If you’re looking on eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace, buy from sellers with solid reviews and history.

  • Avoid sky-high prices: Some people will try to resell Big Twist for outrageous amounts. If we don’t buy at inflated prices, those prices will drop over time.

Time to Explore New Yarns?

Joann closing might feel like the end of an era, but it could also be a great opportunity to try something new! Maybe it’s time to experiment with different brands, fiber types, or even new projects. If you’ve always stuck to acrylic yarn, why not try wool or cotton? If you’ve only made blankets, maybe now is the time to dive into wearables or amigurumi!

Stay Smart & Shop Safe

The most important thing is to stay vigilant and don’t let emotions cloud your judgment. Scammers prey on urgency and fear, so take a deep breath before clicking on anything. Keep your money safe, shop smart, and let’s all keep crafting happily without falling for scams!

Watch the YouTube video here!



Popular posts from this blog

My Top 5 Favorite Places to Buy Yarn Online (Updated for 2026!)

  Over the past year, I’ve noticed a huge spike in views on my older blog post about my favorite online yarn shops. And while I’m flattered that so many people still find it helpful, it was definitely time for an update! A lot has changed since I first made that list: I’ve explored new shops ( Huge inspo HERE ) My yarn taste has changed ( Read more HERE ) And… Joann officially closed it's doors for good ( Shop HERE instead ) So today, I’m sharing my current top five favorite places to buy yarn online as of December 2025 going into 2026. If you love yarn variety, great prices, rich color palettes, and discovering new fibers, this list is for you. 1. Wool Warehouse: (UK) My #1 Forever Favorite If you’ve been around my channel for a while, this one won’t surprise you! Wool Warehouse is hands-down my favorite place to buy yarn online for several reasons: Their house brand Yarnsmiths is fantastic Affordable, soft, and available in so many colors - especially the wa...

How I Modified A Hexagon Cardi for Mid & Plus Size

Hexagon Cardigan Modifications Hey yarn lovers! If you're a midsize or plus-size crocheter looking for ways to customize your hexagon cardigan for a more flattering and comfortable fit, I’ve got some great tips for you. I recently finished my second hexagon cardi and made a few modifications that helped me feel more confident wearing it. Here’s what I learned! The Inspiration Behind My Second Hexagon Cardi A while back, I made a basic hexagon cardigan using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. While I loved the pattern and even won a blue ribbon at my county fair, I wasn’t sure I would actually wear it. It felt a bit too boxy and oversized for my liking. This time, I decided to use Herrschners Witches Brew yarn for a fun Halloween-inspired version. Get the yarn HERE . Since I wanted to ensure I would love wearing it, I made a few tweaks to improve the fit and feel. Key Modifications for a Better Fit 1. Adjusting the Shoulder Fit Instead of making the panels overly large, I measured my sho...

New to Hobby Lobby? Here’s What You Need to Know About Shopping for Yarn

  If you're new to shopping for yarn at Hobby Lobby, let me help you avoid some rookie mistakes. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and today I’m breaking it all down so you can shop like a seasoned pro, especially when those big clearance sales roll around! Start with the Weekly Sale Schedule First things first: Hobby Lobby runs on a weekly rotating sale schedule . That means every week, different departments go on sale. The yarn section, is it's own department. When it’s that department’s turn, all the yarn will be 30% off. Here’s the catch: that sale only lasts a week, and the schedule rotates every other week. So if you’re walking into the store when yarn isn’t on sale, it has switched to a fabric sale week. I advise checking online before shopping and planning accordingly.  Hobby Lobby’s Yarn Brands Hobby Lobby carries a few big-name brands, like Lion Brand, but the real stars of the show are their private label yarns. These are exclusive to Hobby Lobby and in...