Mother’s Day is fast approaching. As Michiganders look for the perfect gift to show their appreciation, the Better Business Bureau of Michigan reminds residents to use caution when shopping online, especially through social media.

Scammers create fake websites and social media accounts advertising great deals on jewelry, clothing, electronics and flowers — but the products may not be of the quality advertised, may not arrive on time or may not arrive at all, the BBB warned in a news release. Consumers end up losing money and, often, personal information.

“Scammers will offer deep discounts using high-quality photos and videos to entice shoppers but not deliver on their promises,” said Lisa Frohnapfel, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Michigan. “Always do your research through BBB.org to find trustworthy businesses near you.”

A southeast Michigan woman saw a Mother’s Day sale on social media for what she thought were popular Stanley tumblers. After she paid for one, the tracking information indicated it was delivered to a different address in Florida and she was unable to contact the seller for a refund. A Kent County woman thought she had purchased Mother’s Day flowers online. But the flowers were never delivered and she was still charged for them, despite talking with customer service about the order.

The BBB offered these tips to avoid Mother’s Day gift problems —

— Shopping online: Only shop on sites you know and trust. Avoid suspicious websites and pop-up ads. Make sure the website is secure with https:// and the lock icon in the URL. But remember, just because a site is secure, it does not mean it is legitimate. Don’t click on hyperlinks in unsolicited emails. Be wary of social media ads with prices that seem too good to be true.

— Ordering flowers: Look for trusted local shops at BBB.org. If sending flowers to another city, check online for a physical florist in that area. Call and confirm the shop exists. Many scam sites claim they are local but do not exist in the area or at all. Make sure to allow enough time for delivery, ask about fees and make sure the date is specified clearly when ordering.

— Buying electronics: Buy from reputable dealers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.

— Buying jewelry: Do research and consider visiting an area jewelry store versus buying online. Keep receipts and read the fine print; ask questions about their return policy.

— Buying gift cards and certificates: Check the terms and conditions of any gift card or certificate before buying so that it won’t be a problem.

More tips are available at https://www.bbb.org.