This fall, as high school students prepare for the fun of a Homecoming dance, one thing they shouldn’t be worrying about is whether their dress or attire will arrive. 

But the Better Business Bureau Akron is reporting several local families and others nationwide who are getting scammed by online retailers who don’t deliver on their goods. 

In an alert on Friday, the BBB cautioned consumers to be aware of scams when ordering attire for Homecoming or other events. Many fake sites are attracting customers with a discounted price, but the orders are never received after the items have been purchased and personal data may have been compromised.

The scam “is disappointing and saddens me to hear people losing out,” said Shannon Siegferth, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Akron, which serves Ashland, Medina, Portage, Richland, Summit and Wayne Counties. “The online scams we hear about all year round continue to advance their technology and approach. 

“If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is,” said Siegferth. “Looking through a company’s website, checking reviews and verifying if they are an Accredited Business with BBB all are best practices when purchasing online. We advise consumers to ensure the company they are looking to purchase from clearly and prominently provides a direct and effect means to contact the company. This includes a phone number, physical address and email address.”