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
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
