Technology Advisor Blog

For many that are local with us, we share the news of Joann Fabrics, a beloved brand in the fabric and crafting world, filed for bankruptcy in February 2025. After 82 years of serving creative minds across the United States, the company announced that it would be closing all its stores down for good. This marks the end of an era for a company that has been a staple in the crafting community for generations including friends, family and loved ones.

While some Joann locations are unsure of their store’s final closing date, including the Westford Valley Marketplace Plaza, many others have already begun their final closures across the US. For loyal customers who relied on Joann for their supplies, the news is devastating. Many are scrambling to make the most of their remaining time to purchase the items they need for their creative projects and begin to adapt to finding a new store for crafting.

However, amidst the chaos of store closures, a more sinister issue has emerged to take advantage of customers: the rise of fraudulent websites. With Joann no longer accepting online sales, scammers have seized the opportunity to begin creating fake websites, designed to look like Joann Fabrics. These have been popping up across the internet, tricking unsuspecting shoppers into making purchases that ultimately lead to loss of funds and personal information stolen.

The Growing Problem of Fake Joann Websites

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Joann Fabrics itself have both issued warnings on social media after receiving over 200 reports of fake Joann websites. These fraudulent sites promise clearance sales and deals on crafting supplies that ultimately lead to nothing more than financial losses for customers. Many of these sites are sophisticated in design, mimicking the look and feel of Joann’s official online store. This has made it difficult for consumers to distinguish between legitimate and fake pages.

Joann and the BBB have urged consumers to be cautious, verifying the authenticity of websites before making any transactions.

In scenarios like this, where cyber threats are rising alongside an organization's closure, an MSP like Ekaru can play a critical role in protecting both businesses and customers. At Ekaru, we specialize in offering cybersecurity services that can help identify, prevent, and mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent online activity.

Some examples of our services to help businesses remain secure and efficient are:

1. Website Monitoring: Ekaru can continuously monitor your business’s website and ensure it is secure. In cases of fraudulent imitation sites, we can help track down and report these sites to authorities, preventing further damage.
2. Security Audits: Regular security audits can help businesses identify vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. With many businesses closing their doors or moving to new operations, ensuring that all digital assets are protected is critical.
3. Education and Awareness: Have employees and customers recognize the warning signs of phishing scams and other cyber threats. This education is vital to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, especially in times of transition.
4. Fraud Prevention Tools: We can deploy advanced fraud detection systems to monitor unusual activity on websites and e-commerce platforms, offering a layer of protection against fake sites and malicious actors looking to capitalize on customers' vulnerabilities.

Moving Forward with Caution

As we say goodbye to Joann Fabrics, it is essential for consumers to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to online fraud. Taking extra precautions, such as verifying website URLs, checking for secure payment options, and reporting suspicious sites to the authorities, will help ensure your creative projects are not derailed by hackers.

While Joann's store closures mark the end of an era for the crafting community, it also highlights the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age. The rise of fraudulent websites serves as a reminder of the ever-growing risks businesses face, particularly during times of change. For both businesses and customers, enlisting the help of an experienced MSP can go a long way in mitigating these risks and ensuring that the closure of a company doesn’t lead to a greater loss.

As Joann Fabrics fades into history, we wish all the crafters out there a safe and secure journey toward finishing their final projects. Be sure to stay informed, stay protected, and always check the authenticity of the websites you're shopping on!

If you’ve been targeted by a scam or need help securing your online transactions, Contact us today to learn how we can protect you and your business from cyber threats.