ST. LOUIS – As fall festivals, markets and special events return across the region, Better Business Bureau ® (BBB®) is reminding Missourians to be cautious of gatherings that may not deliver on their promises.
Many community events are organized by reputable groups, but some planners get in over their heads — or worse, never intend to follow through. In such cases, attendees may be disappointed, vendors may not receive payments or promised amenities, and some events may not even exist. Craft fair scams, for example, sometimes lure vendors into paying booth fees or sharing personal information for events that never take place.
This August, a Kirbyville landowner told KY3 that a “Lights Festival” was heavily advertised for his property, despite him never granting permission to hold it there. In another case, a man and woman in Waterloo, Ill., were charged after allegedly failing to pay vendors at their Fourth of July celebration. And last winter, festival-goers in O’Fallon reported the event was not as advertised, while staff said they never received their wages.
“If you plan to attend or be a vendor at a fall event, do your research to make sure it’s being held by a reputable company with a good track record,” said Michelle L. Corey, president and CEO of BBB St. Louis. “This is especially important if you plan to pay for a ticket or booth space in advance.”
Tips for attendees
■ Research the host at BBB.org and check past complaints or reviews.
■ Verify event details on a legitimate website before paying for tickets.
■ Review refund and cancellation policies before committing.
■ Use a credit card for purchases; it offers stronger protection if something goes wrong.
■ Keep receipts in case you need to return an item or contact a vendor. ■ Report scams to BBB.org or use BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others.
Tips for Vendors
■ Investigate the organizer’s track record and ask other vendors about their experience.
■ Be alert to impostors mimicking legitimate markets on social media.
■ Pay booth fees with secure methods, preferably credit cards.
■ Be cautious if pressured to sign up quickly or provide immediate payment.
■ Report dishonest organizers or scams to BBB Scam Tracker.
