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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Technology
The Latest
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
Weekly QuizAug 29, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil CampaignThe Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 YearsThe family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-GiftingIn his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons HomeThe new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US OpenThe Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a WrapWrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary EditionThe three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ CollarThe one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry EmpireThree C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 StoresThe retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.
