CrimeSep 25, 2023
Oregon Jeweler Accused of Selling Lab-Grown Diamonds as NaturalTechnologyOct 04, 2023
Better Business Bureau Warns of TikTok Jewelry Scam
The organization has received reports of a racket involving “discount codes” from a supposed disgruntled former jewelry store employee.
The Better Business Bureau is warning shoppers about a jewelry scam circulating on TikTok.
New York—The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a new scam circulating on TikTok.
The BBB Scam Tracker, a free online tool people can use to report alleged fraudulent activity, had received multiple reports of an online, jewelry-related shopping scam on the popular social media platform.
“It’s a sneaky one. It starts with a disgruntled employee supposedly seeking revenge and ends with victims ordering hundreds of dollars in phony merchandise,” said the organization.
Scrolling users will happen upon a TikTok video starring an individual claiming to be a recently fired employee of a high-end jewelry store.
One such TikTok video directs viewers to an online jewelry store called TruGala.
The scammer says they didn’t deserve to be fired and are angry about the situation.
For revenge, they share a “top-secret employee discount code.” This code supposedly gives shoppers up to 100 percent off their purchase.
The video claims shoppers can get jewelry for free, if they’re willing to pay the shipping costs.
One consumer reported that as they added more things to the cart, the shipping costs increased “disproportionately.”
“However, this still seems like a ‘deal’ because you are getting a 100 percent discount on (faux) jewelry that costs $100-200,” wrote the consumer.
There is no way to cancel the order, the shopper said, and there is no order confirmation email.
Also no social media accounts, address, or phone number exist for the jewelry store. The shipper can only be contacted via email.
For those who fall for the scam, said BBB, they will not receive any “high-end” jewelry. They might receive a “cheaply made knockoff,” or nothing at all, on top of being out the money spent on shipping.
“The current version of this scam involves a jewelry store but watch out for other variations as scammers change their schemes to avoid detection,” said BBB, adding the scam could also work for other high-cost items, like electronics or designer handbags.
Related stories will be right here …
The BBB Scam Tracker, a free online tool people can use to report alleged fraudulent activity, had received multiple reports of an online, jewelry-related shopping scam on the popular social media platform.
“It’s a sneaky one. It starts with a disgruntled employee supposedly seeking revenge and ends with victims ordering hundreds of dollars in phony merchandise,” said the organization.
Scrolling users will happen upon a TikTok video starring an individual claiming to be a recently fired employee of a high-end jewelry store.
One such TikTok video directs viewers to an online jewelry store called TruGala.
The scammer says they didn’t deserve to be fired and are angry about the situation.
For revenge, they share a “top-secret employee discount code.” This code supposedly gives shoppers up to 100 percent off their purchase.
The video claims shoppers can get jewelry for free, if they’re willing to pay the shipping costs.
One consumer reported that as they added more things to the cart, the shipping costs increased “disproportionately.”
“However, this still seems like a ‘deal’ because you are getting a 100 percent discount on (faux) jewelry that costs $100-200,” wrote the consumer.
There is no way to cancel the order, the shopper said, and there is no order confirmation email.
Also no social media accounts, address, or phone number exist for the jewelry store. The shipper can only be contacted via email.
For those who fall for the scam, said BBB, they will not receive any “high-end” jewelry. They might receive a “cheaply made knockoff,” or nothing at all, on top of being out the money spent on shipping.
“The current version of this scam involves a jewelry store but watch out for other variations as scammers change their schemes to avoid detection,” said BBB, adding the scam could also work for other high-cost items, like electronics or designer handbags.
The BBB shared some tips for avoiding online shopping scams.
Don’t fall for deals that are too good to be true, it warned.
“Scammers love to draw people in with this bait. If a deal seems extraordinarily good, stay skeptical,” the organization said, adding that shoppers should thoroughly research a company before making a purchase, particularly when it is a company not known to them.
The BBB recommends looking up the company’s website, physical address, and contact information. Read customer reviews from third-party websites and look for comments left on its social media pages.
Another helpful trick is to search the company name followed by “scam.”
When it comes to online shopping anywhere, make payments with a credit card, said BBB, as this makes it easier to deal with fraudulent charges and could help shoppers get their money back if they have been scammed.
More on Technology
The Latest
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
Weekly QuizFeb 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
SourcingMar 03, 2026
7 Trends That Could Define the Diamond Industry’s FutureExperts from India weigh in the politics, policies, and market dynamics for diamantaires to monitor in 2026 and beyond.
MajorsMar 03, 2026
Swiss Refiner Completes Acquisition of Gannon & ScottThe American precious metals refiner’s day-to-day operations remain the same post-acquisition.
TrendsMar 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: AquatopiaThese aquamarine jewels channel the calming energy of the March birthstone.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
AGTA Adds Another New Category for SpectrumThe “Innovative Design” category and award will debut in the Spectrum division of this year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards.
EditorsMar 02, 2026
Jewelry at the Actor Awards: Reimagining Hollywood GlamourDiamond jewelry was the star of the event formerly known as the SAG Awards.
SurveysMar 02, 2026
Consumer Confidence Edges Up in FebruaryConsumers were somewhat less worried about the future, though concerns about rising prices and politics remained.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JVC to Honor Rebecca Foerster at Annual LuncheonFoerster is this year’s Stanley Schechter Award recipient.
Events & AwardsMar 02, 2026
JFC Names 2026 ‘Facets’ Honorees Sponsorships and tickets to the annual fundraising event, set for May 31, are available now.
CrimeFeb 27, 2026
Man Charged in Murders of Father, Son Jewelers in ChicagoChicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service tracked down the 35-year-old suspect earlier this week in St. Louis.
SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersOwners of the Ekapa Mine reportedly filed for liquidation about a week after a mudslide trapped five workers who have yet to be found.
MajorsFeb 27, 2026
Jewelers Mutual to Donate $10M to Savannah College of Art and DesignA 10-year alliance has also begun to address the shortage of bench jewelers through scholarships, enhanced programs, and updated equipment.
CollectionsFeb 27, 2026
Renato Cipullo Turns Gold into HardstonesThe “Splendente” collection has evolved to feature hardstone letter pendants, including our Piece of the Week, the onyx “R.”
AuctionsFeb 26, 2026
Noonans to Auction Lady Wardington’s JewelryThe jewelry collection belonged to “one of society's most glamorous and beautiful women of the mid-20th century,” said the auction house.
SourcingFeb 26, 2026
Anglo American CEO Gives Insight Into De Beers SaleThe update came as Anglo took its third write-down on the diamond miner and marketer, which lost more than $500 million in 2025.
ColumnistsFeb 26, 2026
Practical Ways Jewelers Can Leverage AI in 2026Emmanuel Raheb discusses the rise of “GEO” and the importance of having well-written, quality content on your website.
CrimeFeb 26, 2026
Three Sentenced in California Jewelry HeistEach received around four years for burglarizing a jewelry store and a coffee shop in Simi Valley, California, last May.
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2026
GIA Names 2026 Jewelry Design Contest Winner, Retires Annual AwardCatherine Aulick, a GIA graduate, received the ninth and final Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation Award for Excellence in Jewelry Design.
TrendsFeb 25, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
