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
FinancialsAug 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 3% as Engagement Ring Sales RiseThe company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.
Events & AwardsAug 08, 2025
GJEPC’s Jewellers for Hope Celebrates 10 Years of FundraisingThe organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.
TrendsAug 08, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rahaminov Diamonds’ Bezel BangleThe brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.
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.
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Weekly QuizAug 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 04, 2025
Borsheims Welcomes New Assistant Facilities ManagerXavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Helzberg President Julie Yoakum Moves Over to Signet JewelersThe addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
