Mother’s Day scams: How to spot them and shop safely

Every year, scammers take advantage of Mother’s Day by pushing fake deals, messages, gift card scams, and urgent payment requests. They know people are shopping quickly and not always double-checking.
Here are the most common Mother Days scams and how to avoid them.

Key takeaways

Mother’s Day scams often involve fake shops, phishing messages, and gift card requests
Scammers rely on urgency, emotion, and “too good to be true” deals
Payment requests via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto are a major warning sign
Fake delivery messages and “Hi Mom” texts are increasingly common

What are Mother’s Day scams?

Mother’s Day scams are seasonal fraud attempts that take advantage of how people shop and communicate during this time. They are designed to blend into everyday actions like ordering a gift, opening a message, or responding to what looks like a small problem.

You might see them as special offers on flowers or jewelry, delivery notifications, digital greeting cards, or even messages that appear to come from someone you know.

The most common Mother’s Day scams to watch for

Most scams follow the same patterns. Once you know them, they become easier to spot.

Fake online shops and flower websites

One of the most frequent traps involves fake shops, especially flower delivery sites or stores selling popular gifts. They often look polished and convincing, with professional photos and attractive prices. You place an order, receive a confirmation, and then… nothing arrives. By the time you realize something is wrong, the site may already be gone.

Gift card scams

These usually come through calls, texts, or emails. The story changes, but the pressure stays the same. You might be told there’s a delivery issue, a fine to pay, or an urgent situation involving someone you care about. The solution sounds simple: buy a gift card and share the code. Last year, the Federal Trade Commission warned about a surge in these scams. No legitimate company or government agency will ever ask you to pay with a gift card.

Phishing messages and fake e-cards

Around holidays, phishing messages often appear as e-cards, order confirmations, or special offers. They invite you to click a link, sometimes out of curiosity, sometimes out of habit. Once you do, you may land on a fake login page or a site designed to collect your details. In some cases, malware can be installed in the background.

“Hi Mom text” scams

This scam starts with a message from an unknown number, claiming to be your child using a new phone. The conversation quickly turns into an urgent request for help, usually involving money. Because it feels personal, many people respond without questioning it.

Fake delivery notifications

You (or your mother) receive a message about a package, often tied to a gift, with a link to track or resolve an issue. Even if you didn’t order anything, curiosity can take over. Clicking the link may lead to phishing pages or requests for personal information.

Red flags to watch for

If a deal looks much better than anything else you’ve seen, it’s worth questioning. If a message pushes you to act quickly, without giving you time to think, that’s another warning sign. Payment requests that involve gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency should always raise concern, especially when they come with urgency or secrecy.

Unsolicited messages, unexpected delivery alerts, or emails with unusual links are also common indicators that something isn’t right. Most of the time, the feeling that “something is slightly off” is already a good reason to stop and check.

How to protect yourself (and your mom) this Mother’s Day

Avoiding these scams comes down to slowing things down just enough to verify what you’re seeing.

Look closely at the URL and search for independent reviews. If a shop only appears through ads or has no real presence outside its own page, it’s safer to avoid it.
Stick to methods that offer some level of protection, such as credit cards or trusted platforms. These give you options if something goes wrong, unlike gift cards or direct transfers.
If you receive a message about a delivery or an order, avoid clicking the link directly. Instead, go to the official website of the company and check the status there. It takes a few extra seconds, but it removes most of the risk.

Just as important, take a moment to talk to your mom—especially if she’s not used to these types of scams.

Let her know that:

Surprise deliveries can sometimes be fake, even if they look real
Messages from “you” on a new number should always be double-checked
No real company or authority will ask for payment through gift cards
It’s always okay to pause and call you before clicking or paying

A simple heads-up like, “If you get anything unusual this week, just check with me first,” can make a real difference. Around Mother’s Day, many scams work because they feel like a surprise from a child.

If something doesn’t feel right, you can check links with Bitdefender Link Checker or get a second opinion from Bitdefender Scamio —both are free.

For ongoing protection, a Bitdefender Family Plan keeps your entire family safe online.

FAQs

What should I do if someone asks me to pay with a gift card?

It’s almost always a scam. Stop communication and don’t share any codes.

Is it safe to buy gifts online?

Yes, as long as you use trusted retailers and take a moment to verify unfamiliar websites.

What should I do if I clicked a suspicious link?

Close the page immediately, avoid entering any information, and run a security check on your device.

Can scammers really impersonate family members?

Yes. “Hi Mom” scams rely on emotional trust and are becoming increasingly common.

Are gift cards safe to use?

They are safe when used as gifts, but not as a form of payment. Any request to pay with a gift card is a strong sign of a scam.