As parents and kids gear up for Halloween by buying costumes, candy and decorations, the Better Business Bureau reminds all to be careful, especially when shopping at pop-up retail stores and online “bootiques.”

According to the Halloween Industry Association, Halloween is the second largest commercial holiday in the United States, falling just behind Christmas.  The bureau wants to ensure this year is filled with more treats than tricks.

Don’t be haunted by low-quality products and spooky service:

Be cautious with seasonal stores. Transitional store locations and temporary staffing of pop-up businesses may lead to increased difficulties in resolving post-holiday consumer disputes.  Read store terms and conditions carefully before buying.

Check return policies. Some retailers will only offer in-store credit for exchanges or refuse refunds on seasonal merchandise, such as Halloween costumes.  Pay close attention to time limits on returns and other restrictions.

Be on the lookout for devilish links. According to Spywared.com, Halloween is the most profitable celebration for fraudsters, who earn money by spreading various scams on the Internet.  Beware of pop-up ads, suspicious web links and fraudulent emails.

Pay by credit card. Cash purchases are nearly impossible to refund, but credit transactions can be easily canceled if products are misrepresented or not delivered.

Certain decorative lenses are illegal. Buying these lenses over-the-counter is illegal and can seriously damage eyesight.  They are often sold in beauty stores, flea markets, convenience stores and on the Internet.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines contact lenses as medical devices, meaning they require prescriptions.

More reviews and shopping advice can be found at BBB’s “fang” club.