CROMWELL, Conn. - Candy, cards, flowers, and jewelry are among the top ways consumers show their love around February 14th. In fact, they spent nearly $26 million on Valentine's Day last year, according to the National Retail Federation, with more than half of Americans saying they celebrated. Scammers also find the holiday sweet, as they cash in on unsuspecting individuals, breaking hearts and bank accounts.
Beware of these three scams regularly reported to BBB.
Impostor websites
Consumers should always be alert for impostor websites, from fake jewelry sellers to online dating sites. Scammers can easily lift official photos, sale promotions, and logos directly from the website of a popular jewelry brand. With professional graphics and unbeatable prices, scammers build an attractive website that looks eerily similar to the real thing.
Similar methods may be used to build fake online dating platforms, often used to steal personal data and credit card information. Read our guide to smart shopping online for more tips to spot fake websites.
Red flags:
Products are available at extreme discounts.
The seller requests customers pay with cash transfer apps or cryptocurrency.
Customer service is unreachable.
Romance scams
Romance scammers often target vulnerable people who have experienced a recent breakup or other hardship. They take advantage of that heartbreak to establish a connection and gain sympathy. Once they’ve gotten their victim on the hook with a sad story, they begin pursuing their true goal–money.
Falling victim to a romance scam can be particularly devastating. Victims can lose thousands of dollars, and they’re often left feeling heartbroken and betrayed because they believed they’d found a good partner. Read more about romance scams for safe online dating advice.
Red flags:
The relationship moves very fast.
You never meet in person.
They ask for money.
Wrong number scam
Responding to a text message from someone who messaged the wrong number might seem harmless. It might even seem like the polite thing to do if they say they’re looking to reconnect with a potential match.
The text message, however, is bait to lure you into a conversation. If you keep chatting, they eventually try to get your personal information by directing you to sign up for an adult site. Learn more about wrong number texts and scam bots.
Red flags:
The messages don’t stop.
The sender directs you to sign up for a website.
They try to get your personal information.
Fake florist scam
Ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day? Don’t procrastinate or you may end up falling for a scam. BBB has received many reports of shoppers who thought they were ordering flowers from an online florist... but either got nothing at all, or a disappointing arrangement. Don't let phony florists ruin Valentine's Day.
Red flags:
The business has no reviews or bad reviews (always check BBB.org!)
You can't find a return policy or satisfaction guarantee.
The deal is "too good to be true."
What to do if you encounter a scam
If you encounter a suspected romance scam, cut off all contact with the perpetrator by blocking their accounts and phone number. Then, report your experience to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Dating site users should also report suspicious activity to the platform so they can take action against the scammer's account.
See more Valentine's Day scam alerts and tips at BBB.org/Valentine.