Cricut machines and accessories have exploded in popularity over the last few years. As more crafters discover the versatility and convenience of Cricut’s cutting and writing tools, the demand for Cricut products continues to grow.
Unfortunately, the rise in popularity has also led to an increase in Cricut-related scams. One such scam promoting unbelievable deals on Cricut products has been making the rounds on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Scammers are using fake ads to target Cricut fans with offers of Cricut machines and materials for 90% off retail prices. The ads promote limited-time warehouse sales, store closings, or online clearance events with Cricut machines available for as low as $29-$59.
While the prices seem too good to be true, many shoppers are enticed by the prospect of getting a deeply discounted Cricut. But buyers soon find out the deals are just a scam designed to steal their money and information. Keep reading to learn more about how the scam works and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Overview of the Cricut Clearance Sale Scam
The Cricut clearance sale scam relies on convincing graphics and messaging to mislead consumers into thinking they are shopping legitimate Cricut outlet stores or warehouses. Scammers set up fake websites using Cricut’s branding without authorization.
To attract visitors, they promote the fake clearance sales on social media platforms targeting crafters and Cricut enthusiasts. The ads tout prices like $39 for a Cricut Maker or $29 for an Explore Air 2 as part of warehouse clearance sales, store closings, or other limited-time sales events.
Unethical sellers then try to quickly process as many orders as possible before customers realize they’ve been scammed. Victims usually find out the hard way when the merchandise never arrives or the delivered product is not what was pictured.
By the time they try to get their money back, the fake sites are shut down. The low prices are merely bait used to steal credit card information and payments. Losses can range from a few dollars to hundreds based on what victims purchased.
How the Cricut Clearance Sale Scam Works
Step 1 – Fake Social Media Ads
The scam typically starts with an ad on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok promoting a Cricut blowout clearance sale, with prices like $49 for a Cricut Maker bundle or $39 for a Cricut Explore Air 2.
Step 2 – Clickbait Website
When users click on the social ad, they are taken to a website made to look like an authorized Cricut outlet store or distributor. The site has Cricut’s logos and stock product images.
It advertises clearance prices up to 90% off and uses messages like “Warehouse Clearance Sale,” “Store Closing Sale,” or “Limited Time Deals” to create urgency.
Step 3 – Too Good to Be True Prices
The website shows incredibly low prices on Cricut machines, accessories, materials, and bundles. For example, a Cricut Maker bundle offered for $299 retail might be advertised for $49.
An Explore Air 2 that retails for $199 could be listed at $29. The prices are so low that consumers are enticed to place orders without doing further research.
Step 4 – Fake Shopping Cart Experience
The website looks legitimate enough for victims to go through the shopping cart experience.
They add items to their cart and enter shipping and payment information, usually a credit card number. The site gives no indication that it is fraudulent.
Step 5 – Take the Money and Run
Once the purchase goes through, the scammers immediately max out the stolen credit card information and payments as much as possible.
In some cases, victims receive a small envelope containing a cheap item like a pair of sunglasses. But most people receive nothing at all for their “purchase.”
Step 6 – Shut Down Before Getting Caught
By the time customers realize they have been scammed, the website is shut down or abandoned. The domain name registration is often under fake identities.
Scammers quickly set up new sites to keep the scam going as long as possible before getting caught. Lost payments and compromised financial information are difficult to recover.
How to Spot the Cricut Scam on Social Media
Spotting the Scam on Facebook
Scammers rely heavily on Facebook ads to promote their fake Cricut sales and deals. Be suspicious of any ad you see in your feed with language like “blowout clearance sales,” “going out of business,” or “limited time offers.” Warning signs include:
- Prices like $29 for a Cricut Maker or $39 for an EasyPress 2 that are over 50% off retail.
- Entire Cricut bundle kits advertised under $100.
- Slogans like “90% off,” “Free Shipping,” “Today Only,” and “Limited Inventory” to create false urgency.
- Cricut logos and stolen product photos used without permission.
- Links to shady websites you don’t recognize that are very recently registered.
Spotting the Scam on Instagram
Scammers promote the fake Cricut deals on Instagram using paid ads and sponsored influencer posts. Watch for:
- Influencer posts promoting a site called “Cricut Warehouse Sale” or similar with prices like $49 for a Maker.
- Video ads for sites like “CricutOutletStore” and “Cricut-Outlet” advertising up to 90% off.
- Fake customer testimonials and stock photos promoting unbelievable deals.
- Alarming comments from followers who got ripped off after buying.
- Links to sketchy websites in bios and captions.
Spotting the Scam on TikTok
On TikTok, scammers use fake videos and accounts to scam users. Red flags include:
- Videos claiming to show warehouses stacked with Cricut products “priced to sell.”
- Highly-produced ads for sites called “Cricut Warehouse Outlet” and “Cricut Store Closing” advertising huge markdowns.
- Duets showing users shocked when their Cricut orders arrive, promoting shady sites.
- Comments from users saying the products never arrived or they got ripped off.
- Links posted to suspicious sites where products are absurdly underpriced.
What to Do if You Spot a Scam
If you spot any suspicious ads promoting prices that seem way too good to be true, report them immediately. You can help stop the scam from spreading further and prevent other users from getting ripped off.
How to Identify Fake Cricut Websites and Online Stores
When searching for Cricut deals online, be wary of unknown sites offering prices that seem too good to be true. Here are some telltale signs you may be dealing with a scam site:
Recently Registered Domains
Fraudulent sites often use new domain registrations to avoid detection. Search the ICANN WHOIS database to see if a domain was recently registered, which should raise suspicions. For example, CricutBlowoutSale.com was registered 1 month ago – likely a scam.
No Contact Information
Legitimate retailers always provide phone numbers, physical addresses, and customer service options to contact – NOT just an email. Be suspicious if you can’t find a real way to get in touch.
Prices Like “90% Off”
Big red flag if prices are drastically lower than other retailers, like a Maker for $49 instead of $299. Authorized sales max out around 20-25% off – anything over 50% off is a scam.
Copied Website Design
Scammers use stolen product images and copy legitimate website designs. Look for grammar/spelling errors, product descriptions with no real details, and other signs of a sloppy, copied site.
Slogans Like “Going Out of Business”
Typical scam site slogans are “Store Closing Sale,” “Limited Time Only,” “Today Only,” and “Going out of Business” – all tactics to create false urgency.
No Policies or Privacy Information
Real retailers have terms of service, refund policies, privacy policies, shipping information, etc. Scam sites often completely lack this or have vague, unclear policies.
No Social Media Presence
Cross-reference the website with Facebook, Instagram, etc. Scammers don’t put effort into establishing legit social accounts and profiles.
Trust your instincts – if a Cricut deal raises any suspicions, avoid the site and purchase only through authorized retailers you can verify.
What to Do if You’re a Victim of the Scam
If you have fallen for the Cricut clearance scam, take the following steps to limit your losses and avoid further harm:
1. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company
Alert your financial provider that you have been the victim of fraud. Request to cancel any pending transactions and have new cards issued.
2. Place Fraud Alert on Accounts
Work with your bank and credit bureaus to put fraud alerts and credit freezes in place for protection.
3. Monitor Accounts Closely
Carefully review your financial statements for signs of any fraudulent activity. Report unauthorized charges promptly.
4. Update Passwords and Security
Change passwords, security questions, and pins. Enable two-factor authentication if available.
5. File Police Reports
File reports with local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
6. Dispute Charges
Initiate chargeback requests with your credit card issuer to try getting your money back. Provide documentation.
7. Avoid Paying Scammers
If scammers call demanding payment, do not pay anything. Cut off contact immediately.
8. Be Proactive
Help shut down fake sites by reporting them to online retailers, social media platforms, registrars, etc. Post warnings to prevent more victims.
9. Learn from It
Use the bad experience to educate yourself and others on identifying and avoiding online scams.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cricut Clearance Sale Scam
1. What is the Cricut clearance sale scam?
The Cricut clearance scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers create fake websites or social media ads pretending to offer deep discounts on Cricut products, up to 90% off retail prices. The incredibly low prices lure unsuspecting shoppers to provide their credit card information and place orders. However, the “deals” are completely fake and designed to steal money and payment information. Victims either receive nothing or a cheap, knockoff product.
2. How can I identify a fake Cricut website or ad?
Warning signs of a Cricut scam site include prices that seem too good to be true (like 90% off), questionable contact information, poor website design, no social media presence, fake branding elements, lack of company policies or privacy info, poor grammar/spelling, etc. Real authorized Cricut deals max out around 20-25% off MSRP.
3. What are some examples of the unbelievable prices used to lure victims?
Scammers commonly advertise prices like a Cricut Maker for $49 (retail $299), Explore Air 2 for $29 (retail $199), EasyPress 2 for $39 (retail $99), heat press machines under $100, 50-packs of vinyl for $20, etc. Any deal over 50% off retail from an unknown site is likely fraudulent.
4. Where are the fake Cricut ads found?
Most commonly on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Scammers target Cricut interest groups and crafters. Video ads and sponsored posts attract the most attention thanks to eye-catching graphics touting the fake deals.
5. What happens when you try to purchase from a scam website?
The site allows you to add items to a cart, enter payment info, and complete the checkout process. You’ll likely receive a purchase confirmation email. Soon after, victims find their credit cards maxed out by scammers and/or never receive the purchased merchandise.
6. What do victims receive if anything arrives in the mail?
In some cases, victims receive a cheap product like a pair of sunglasses or plastic bracelet that in no way matches their order. This allows scammers to pretend something was delivered, buying more time before getting caught.
7. Why are Cricut machines so prone to counterfeit sales scams?
Cricut’s immense popularity among crafters and at-home entrepreneurs makes it a prime target for scammers. Strong demand for Cricut products means scammers can easily find interested victims for their cons. Limited supply also makes below-market prices more enticing.
8. How can I avoid becoming a victim of the Cricut clearance sale scam?
Be wary of any Cricut deal that seems too good to be true, especially from retailers you don’t recognize. Check site reputation, look for contact info, cross-reference social channels, and read policies. Only purchase from authorized sellers you trust. Avoid making quick impulse buys solely based on price.
9. What should I do if already fell victim to the Cricut scam?
Immediately contact your bank and credit card company to report the fraud, cancel cards/payments, and request refunds. Place fraud alerts on accounts, update account security, file police reports, monitor credit closely, dispute charges, and be cautious of any calls demanding payment.
10. How can I report a fraudulent website to help shut them down?
Contact website hosts, registrars, social media platforms, etc. to file abuse reports about fake sites misusing trademarks, stealing content, and scamming customers. Leave online reviews warning others. Report to BBB, FTC, and IC3.gov.
The Bottom Line
The Cricut clearance sale scam takes advantage of eager crafters looking to save on Cricut supplies. By advertising fake blowout deals up to 90% off, scammers can net quick money through fraudulent purchases and stolen financial data.
Protect yourself by learning to identify the warning signs of scam websites. If an offer seems too good to be true, proceed with extreme caution or avoid the purchase altogether. Stick to authorized Cricut retailers you can trust for the real deals.
Spread awareness about this scam to help prevent other customers from being victimized. Report fraudulent sites to cut off the scammers as much as possible. And if you do get caught in the trap, take action quickly to minimize your losses. With vigilance and care, Cricut fans can enjoy the crafting tools they love without getting ripped off.
