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!