7 Warning Signs of Designer Area Rug Scams on Bed Bath and Beyond

Misleading 'Closing' Sale: Be wary of sales advertised as 'closing' or 'liquidation' that seem too good to be true. Scammers may use these tactics to pressure you into a quick purchase of inferior or non-existent products. Authentic sales usually have clear terms and are often tied to specific events or store closures, which are generally well-documented.

Bait-and-Switch Quality: This scam involves advertising a high-quality designer rug at an attractive price, only to substitute it with a lower-quality or entirely different item upon purchase. Scammers might use deceptive product images or vague descriptions to lure buyers, then claim the advertised item is 'out of stock' and offer a less desirable alternative. Always scrutinize product details and images for consistency and authenticity.

Photo-Only Item Listing: Be extremely cautious of listings that primarily feature attractive photos with minimal or no descriptive text about the rug's actual specifications. This tactic is often used to showcase desirable rugs that do not exist or are of vastly inferior quality. A legitimate listing will include comprehensive details about materials, dimensions, origin, and construction.

Undelivered Bulk Furniture (Applicable to large rugs): While this scam typically refers to furniture, it can apply to large, high-value items like designer rugs. The scammer advertises a desirable product at a low price, takes payment, and then claims the item has shipped, providing fake tracking information or claiming it's lost in transit. The rug is never delivered. Always verify seller reputation and consider using secure payment methods.

Fake Liquidation Ad: Similar to 'closing' sales, fake liquidation ads use the guise of a clearance event to sell counterfeit or low-quality rugs. Scammers create a sense of urgency, implying deep discounts due to a supposed business closure. Research the seller thoroughly and be skeptical of prices that are drastically lower than market value.

Imposter URL Phishing: Be wary of links sent via email or messages that direct you to a fake Bed Bath and Beyond login page. Scammers create websites that closely mimic the official site to steal your login credentials, personal information, or payment details. Always ensure you are on the official Bed Bath and Beyond website by checking the URL carefully before entering any sensitive information.

Third-Party Return Hell: When purchasing from marketplace sellers on platforms like Bed Bath and Beyond, returns can become complicated. Scammers may operate as third-party sellers with deliberately convoluted return policies, making it difficult or impossible to return a rug. Always review the seller's specific return policy before purchasing, and understand that Bed Bath and Beyond's own return policies may not apply.