Quilting Safely and Joyfully: Online Safety for Quilters

Every Monday, as I savor my coffee, I connect with my beloved family over a Zoom call. It’s a new tradition inspired by the challenges of Covid-19, where we share stories, catch up on life, and this week’s topic was one that concerns us all: staying savvy and safe when navigating the vast online world.

Recently, I stumbled upon a disconcerting discovery: counterfeit versions of my cherished quilting tools were being offered at unbelievable prices through a Facebook ad. A concerned customer even reached out to me with screen shots from the THERGANIC Shop, questioning if I had partnered with them for these suspicious discounts.

I can’t wait to update you on what I received when I ordered from them!  I am waiting for “Hearts and More” to arrive, then I will post an  update with photos.  You won’t believe this scam!  And I am not the only designer that is being imitated.  You’ll find all your favorites on this website, but you won’t get what you expect.  Buyer beware!

 

While sharing this unsettling news with my family, my Mom disclosed her own harrowing encounter with an internet scam. She had narrowly avoided becoming a victim when her credit card information was compromised during an email stamp purchase from someone posing as the US Postal Service. Fortunately, her bank acted swiftly, safeguarding her account and thwarting any potential fraudulent charges.

During our conversation, she also recounted an incident where a scammer impersonated a family member on Facebook, attempting to trick her into sharing personal information for supposed Social Security benefits. Thankfully, her sharp instincts guided her to see through the ruse, and she promptly alerted our cousin about the security breach on his Facebook profile, urging him to notify the platform.

Our discussion didn’t stop there. We delved into the perplexing case of TEMU, an online store enticing shoppers with irresistible deals and free shipping. However, our research uncovered that their enticing offers concealed an ulterior motive – collecting personal data through their app. Even Apple banned the TEMU app from its store until they agreed not to gather and store personal information. Skepticism lingers about their commitment to this promise.

The question looms: Why would TEMU sell fabric jelly rolls at such unbelievably low prices and offer free shipping? It’s a puzzling question, given the massive expenditure on online advertising. It raises concerns not only about profitability but also about the environmental and labor implications of producing disposable items at such rates.

So, how can you stay safe from these internet scams?

The golden rule is deceptively simple yet undeniably crucial: trust your instincts, especially when a deal appears too good to be true. Safeguard both your hard-earned money and personal information with unwavering diligence.

Remember that legitimate online businesses do exist, and there’s no need to live in fear or avoid online shopping altogether. Just remember to prioritize safety and authenticity, taking a moment to research and verify the legitimacy of online retailers. It’s reassuring to know the face behind the brand!

At Sue Pelland Designs, we uphold the values of integrity and trust. We cherish connecting with you, offering free programs, and sharing our passion for top-quality quilting products. Our meticulously crafted tools are designed to elevate your quilting journey, streamlining your process and reducing fabric waste. With every purchase, you’re supporting American families and businesses because our products are proudly made in the USA.

Quilting is a celebration of joy, creativity, and community. Let’s continue stitching our beautiful stories together, secure and content in this marvelous quilting world!

Quilt joyfully and quilt safely,

Sue and the Sue Pelland Designs team.