This Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be big, according to projections by the National Retail Federation, which suggests that consumer spending could reach $27.5 billion.
As you prepare to celebrate, there are a few common scams that you need to be aware of.
Whether you’re hoping to spark a new relationship or buying gifts for your loved ones, beware of these four scams regularly reported to Better Business Bureau.
From fake jewelry sellers to online dating sites, consumers should always be on the alert for impostor websites.
Scammers "By seamlessly copying high-quality images, promotional offers, and branding directly from reputable jewelry websites, scammers create deceptively authentic online stores with professional design and seemingly unbeatable prices, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish them from the genuine brand."Â
Fake online dating sites, which are frequently used to steal credit card numbers and personal information, can be created using similar techniques.Â
BBB says that some red flags to look out for are products that are available at extreme discounts, sellers requesting customers pay with cash transfer apps or cryptocurrency, and numbers given for customer service departments that are unreachable.Â
People who are fragile and have recently broken up or gone through other hardships are frequently the target of romance scammers.
They use that grief as a springboard to connect and win others over. They start chasing their real objective—money—after they have persuaded their victim with a depressing tale.
The consequences of falling for a romance scam can be quite severe. In addition to losing thousands of dollars, victims frequently experience heartbreak and betrayal since they genuinely thought they had found a suitable partner.
Some red flags to be aware of are relationships that move very fast, never meeting in person, and someone asking for money.Â
It may appear harmless to reply to a text message sent by someone who sent the incorrect number. In fact, if they indicate they want to get back in touch with a possible match, it can even feel like the right thing to do.
However, the text message is bait to get you to engage in conversation. The messages won't stop and they will eventually try to obtain your personal information by asking you to register for an adult website if you continue to speak. \
Are you placing a Valentine's Day flower order? Avoid putting things off or you can fall for a hoax.
Customers who believed they were ordering flowers from an online florist have frequently reported to BBB that they either received a disappointing arrangement or nothing at all. Valentine's Day shouldn't be ruined by fake florists.
Warning signs to watch out for are there are either no reviews or negative reviews for the company (always check BBB.org), there is no satisfaction guarantee or return policy, or it's "too good to be true."
Block the offender's accounts and phone number to stop any communication if you come across what appears to be a romance scam.
After that, submit a report to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Users of dating sites should also notify the platform of any suspicious activities so that they can take appropriate action.
For more information on romance scams visit BBB.org/romance.
