If you’re a crafter, quilter, or DIY enthusiast, you’ve likely heard the news—Joann Fabric and Crafts may be closing after years of serving creative households across the country.

The company’s reported bankruptcy and liquidation sales have sparked a wave of attention.

But alongside that buzz comes a troubling rise in scams targeting unsuspecting shoppers.

At The GrayVine, we know the joy of discovering a great deal on fabric, thread, or a new set of paints.

But with scammers now pushing fake sales that look strikingly real, it’s important to pause before clicking "buy."

Let’s walk through what’s really happening—and how you can protect yourself and your fellow crafters from falling for these online traps.

The beloved retailer’s reported closures have sparked confusion—and an uptick in online scams. Image Source: YouTube / ABC7 News Bay Area.

Inside the Joann Fabric scam

When Joann Fabric filed for bankruptcy and began closing some stores in early 2024, fraudsters quickly jumped on the opportunity.

Here’s how their scam plays out:

• Fake ads on social media
  You may come across ads promising "Joann’s Bankruptcy Blowout—Up to 90% Off!" They often appear on Facebook or other platforms and use Joann’s real logo and product photos to seem legitimate.
• Lookalike websites
  Clicking those ads leads to websites that mimic Joann’s actual site. These pages show deeply discounted prices on everything from sewing machines to fabric bundles.
• A convincing but costly process
  You place an order, pay, and even receive a confirmation email. But the items never arrive—and your payment ends up going to a shady, unfamiliar business.
• The aftermath
  Not only is your money gone, but your personal and financial information could be in the wrong hands.

Also read: This go-to store won’t be around much longer—what to know

Why crafters are being targeted

Scammers know that many crafters are loyal shoppers who value good deals—especially when a beloved store is said to be shutting down.

That emotional connection can make people act quickly, sometimes before verifying the details.

And the scammers know exactly how to create urgency.

Wording like "Sale ends tonight!" or "Only a few left!" is designed to make you act fast without thinking twice.

Also read: The craft store crisis: is your favorite among the many shutting down?

Tips to spot a fake Joann’s sale (and other online traps)

1. Double-check the web address

Joann’s official website is joann.com. Anything else—like joann-sale.shop or joannfabricdeals.xyz—is not affiliated with the company.

2. Be cautious with ads on social media

Just because it appears on your feed doesn’t mean it’s safe. Scammers can buy ad space too.

If something catches your eye, go to Joann’s site directly rather than clicking the ad.

Also read: Scammers are posing as USPS—here’s how to spot the warning signs

3. Look for warning signs

If the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are.

Be wary of websites with poor spelling, unclear return policies, or limited payment options (like only allowing debit cards or gift cards).

4. Verify before you buy

Call your local Joann store or visit their official site for updates.

You can also check their verified social media page for announcements.

5. Use a credit card—not a debit card

Credit cards often offer better fraud protection, so if you’re scammed, you’re more likely to recover your money.

6. Check for secure checkout

Make sure the website begins with "https" and shows a padlock icon in your browser before entering any information.

Source: YouTube / WSPA 7News​

Also read: Protect Your Wallet with These 12 Dead Giveaways of a Fake Shopping Site!

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen for a fake Joann’s sale—or any online scam:

• Contact your bank or credit card provider right away to report the charges and explore refund options.
• Update your passwords, especially if you reused them on other sites.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also let Joann’s customer service know.

Staying safe while shopping online

Scammers are constantly adjusting their tactics, but a few smart habits can go a long way:

• Bookmark trusted websites and use those links rather than clicking through ads or unfamiliar emails.
• Subscribe to official newsletters from your favorite stores for real updates on sales and closures.
• Spread the word to friends, family, and crafting groups—especially older loved ones who might be targeted.

Source: YouTube / scam detector​

Staying informed is the first step to staying safe. With a little caution and a lot of community support, we can help protect one another from online traps.

Keep crafting, keep sharing, and let’s look out for each other!

Read next: 10 warning signs that social media ad might be a scam—have you seen these tricks?

Key Takeaways

• Scammers are impersonating Joann Fabric with fake "online bankruptcy sales" after the store’s 2024 bankruptcy announcement.
• Fraudulent ads on social media lead buyers to lookalike websites, resulting in lost money and stolen personal information.
• Experts advise verifying sales through official store links and using credit cards for added security.
• The FTC encourages reporting scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov and staying alert when shopping online.

Have you spotted a fake Joann’s sale online? Or maybe you’ve experienced something similar with another store? Share your story in the comments. Your experience could help someone else avoid a scam. And if you have helpful tips for safe online shopping, we’d love to hear those too!

 

[mmarple]

I love Goose Creek candles and saw an ad on Facebook about a great sale. I clicked on the site, looked good, and bought some candles. Everything was going fine with order number confirmation emails and delivery information. After a number of weeks of not receiving the items I contacted Goose Creek directly on their website. They confirmed that was not their order number and not their website. Went back to the delivery confirmation emails and they lead to dead links. No candles and money lost. Double check the website address.