Every year, there is at least one toy or game that is the kids’ favorite — the must-have, the “hot toy of the season.”
This year, one of those is the “Squishmallows” series of stuffed toys. Cute, huggable, squeezable, and very much in-demand.
Unfortunately, that means they are likely to be sold out if you try to grab one at a brick-and-mortar store. Naturally, you may try to shop for them online.
This is where the Better Business Bureau warns you may fall into a squeeze of a different sort.
This year’s hot toys (per Amazon):
- Magic Mixies Magical Mixing Crystal Ball
- Snap Circuits
- Breyer Horses Unicorn Magic Wood Stable
- National Geographic Break Open Geodes
- Squishmallows
How it works
Shoppers do a quick search for the toy, and among the well-known retailers, you may find shops whose names you don’t recognize, offering those hot items at hot discounts.
The BBB says the online stores may look professional and contain original images of the product you’re looking for. The discounts may be described as a “last-minute deal” or a “flash sale.”
The shopper orders the toy, only to be disappointed when the item arrives. Often, the BBB says, the item is a cheap knock-off or counterfeit.
“This company offered hard-to-find Squishmallows,” said one victim, who shared their story with the BBB anonymously. “I purchased one for $40. The website claims there is a 30-day hassle-free policy. I finally received the product and it is counterfeit. There are no tags on it and it is of very poor…
