Wedding scams to look out for
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Wedding season is here, and according to the local Better Business Bureau, that means big business—and big opportunities for scams.
From planning the big day to finding the perfect gift, choosing the right business can make all the difference.
Group of jewelry scammers being kicked out of the country
'Better Business Bureau sees a lot of small new businesses that don't have qualifications – maybe they have good intentions, but they prove not to be up to the challenge of delivering on the high expectations and promises made regarding the big day. Something we see a lot of complaints about is wedding photographers,' said Better Business Bureau's Cameron Nakashima.
'A wedding photographer scam can cost you more than money—it can cost memories and make the time following the wedding a stressful one. BBB has seen reports of people paying hundreds or thousands of dollars upfront for a photographer who does not deliver photos at all, or delivers blurry, AI-generated images, or simply does not show up for the wedding. Before you book, check BBB.org for reviews, complaints, and whether the business has a track record and if it is BBB Accredited.'Another area BBB is seeing complaints about is when shopping for wedding-related clothing, decorations and gifts – especially online.
'Whether you are attending a wedding or hosting one, it's smart to be on the lookout for fake retailers trying to take advantage. BBB gets reports of fake dress websites, poor-quality knockoffs, or items that never arrive. Stick to trusted retailers, read return policies, and research the company before giving them your information,' Nakashima said.
BBB has dedicated a portion of its website to wedding-related buying guides.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
'Whether you're looking for venues, caterers, florists, or wedding-related travel services, BBB's Wedding HQ is your free guide to finding trustworthy businesses,' Nakashima said. 'You can explore top tips, get scam alerts, and connect with BBB Accredited Businesses that meet BBB's Standards for Trust—so you can plan your big day with peace of mind.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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