Consumer Alert: Marijuana dispensary scams reportedly on the rise

(WJAR) — With new recreational pot shops now open in Rhode Island and Connecticut, it's no surprise Southern New Englanders want to give legal weed a try.

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Unfortunately, the Better Business Bureau says scammers are already capitalizing on the interest.

The BBB says victims are attempting to purchase marijuana online with the promise of home delivery. But instead, scammers are creating fake websites and charging customers phony fees via cash apps. Victims say they're shelling out hundreds of dollars for products that never arrive.

“Now that it is being legalized throughout the different states here in New England, scammers are keen at targeting consumer with potential scams,” says Paula Fleming, chief marketing & sales officer at the Better Business Bureau. “The ones that we're hearing via our BBB.org/scamtracker have been identified as scammers that are asking for payment through digital wallet apps such as Zelle or Cash App.”

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She continues, “We are encouraging people, if you are purchasing through a dispensary, do not provide payment via those cash apps.”

In addition to avoiding payments via cash apps, the BBB says it's also important to do your research.

This is a new industry in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and many of these businesses are new. If you have doubts about whether a business it legitimate, visit the business in person before you hand over your money.

Sales of recreational marijuana began in Rhode Island in December.