14 February 2025: Valentine’s Day Scams to Be Aware Of and Prevention

Last year, thousands of people fell victim to Valentine’s Day scams, losing millions of dollars and experiencing significant emotional distress. As Valentine’s Day 2025 approaches, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the common scams that surface during this time of year.

Whether you’re looking for love online or searching for the perfect gift, it’s essential to stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes.

Common Valentine’s Day Scams

Cybercriminals employ various tactics to exploit the heightened emotions and increased online activity associated with Valentine’s Day. Here are some of the most prevalent scams to watch out for:

1) Romance Scams

Romance scams are among the most devastating Valentine’s Day scams, both emotionally and financially. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media platforms, often using stolen photos and fabricated backstories to lure unsuspecting individuals. They quickly establish an emotional connection with their victims, professing love and affection to gain their trust.

One tactic they use is “love bombing,” where they overwhelm you with excessive attention and affection to create an emotional dependency. Once they have their victims hooked, they fabricate emergencies or financial difficulties to solicit money. These requests may range from medical expenses and travel costs to needs like car repairs or family emergencies.

It’s important to remember that anyone can fall victim to a romance scam, regardless of age, education, or intelligence. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using AI technology to generate fake photos, videos, and even real-time conversations. This makes it even harder to distinguish between genuine profiles and those created by scammers.

Some common red flags associated with romance scams include:

• Quick professions of love: Scammers often express strong feelings very early in the relationship to accelerate the emotional connection.
• Reluctance to meet in person: Scammers will avoid meeting face-to-face or engaging in video calls, often citing excuses like being overseas or having a busy schedule.
• Requests for money: A sudden need for financial assistance is a major warning sign.
• Pressure to send money quickly: Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into sending money without thinking it through.

The Emotional Impact of Romance Scams

Beyond the financial losses, romance scams can have a profound emotional and psychological impact on victims. Victims often experience feelings of betrayal, embarrassment, and shame. They may struggle with trust issues and find it difficult to form new relationships. The emotional scars of a romance scam can linger long after the financial losses have been addressed.

 

2) Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are another common threat during Valentine’s Day. Scammers send emails or text messages disguised as romantic greetings, e-cards, or special offers. These messages often contain malicious links or attachments that, when clicked, can lead to phishing websites or download malware onto your device.

These websites may mimic legitimate websites, tricking you into entering personal information like login credentials or credit card details.

Here are some examples of phishing scams to be aware of:

• Fake e-cards: You might receive an e-card from an unknown admirer, which, when opened, installs malware or redirects you to a malicious website.
• “Secret admirer” messages: These messages often contain links to fake login pages or websites designed to steal your personal information.
• Emails from dating apps: Scammers may impersonate dating apps, claiming your account needs verification and prompting you to click on a phishing link.

 

3) Online Shopping Scams

Valentine’s Day is a popular time for online shopping, and scammers take advantage of this by setting up fake websites or posting fraudulent ads on social media. These scams often involve:

• Too-good-to-be-true deals: Scammers lure victims with incredibly low prices on popular Valentine’s Day gifts like flowers, chocolates, or jewelry.
• Fake websites: These websites may look legitimate but are designed to steal your payment information or deliver counterfeit or inferior products.
• Counterfeit gift cards: Scammers sell fake gift cards at discounted rates, which turn out to be worthless when you try to use them.
• Fake delivery services: Scammers may impersonate delivery services, contacting you to request personal details or payment information under the pretense of confirming your order.

4) Event and Ticket Scams

Valentine’s Day often brings special events and romantic getaways. Scammers exploit this by creating fake event tickets or offering deals on non-existent events. They may advertise these fake events or tickets on social media or through phishing emails. When victims try to attend the event or redeem their tickets, they discover they have been scammed.

5) Social Media Giveaway Scams

Scammers often create fake social media giveaways, promising free Valentine’s Day gifts or romantic getaways in exchange for personal information. These scams aim to collect your data for identity theft or financial fraud.

Statistics on Valentine’s Day Scams

The prevalence of Valentine’s Day scams is a growing concern. The table below presents some statistics highlighting the extent of this problem:

Scam Type	Year	Location	Losses
Romance Scams	2023	US	$700 million
Romance Scams	2023	California	$100 million
Romance Scams	2025	US	$830 million (projected)
Romance Scams	2023	Global	$1.3 billion

In addition to these overall statistics, it’s important to note some geographical trends. In 2024, Arizona and California were the top targeted states for romance scams, with over 7,000 cases reported in California alone.

Also Read: Warning: Super Bowl Phishing Scam Spreading on YouTube

Tips to Avoid Valentine’s Day Scams

Protecting yourself from Valentine’s Day scams requires vigilance and awareness. Here are some expert tips to help you stay safe:

1. Verify Identities

When interacting with someone online, especially on dating apps or social media, take steps to verify their identity. Insist on video calls or voice chats to confirm they are who they claim to be. Be wary of individuals who consistently make excuses to avoid meeting in person or showing their face.

2. Be Skeptical

Exercise caution and skepticism, especially when someone you’ve just met online expresses strong emotions or declares their love quickly. Be wary of individuals who claim to be heroes or have glamorous professions, as these can be tactics used by scammers to gain your trust.

3. Double-Check URLs and Be Cautious of “Too Good to be True” Deals

When shopping online, always double-check the website’s URL to ensure it’s legitimate. Look for misspellings, extra characters, or unusual domain names. Stick to well-known and reputable retailers to minimize the risk of encountering fake websites. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as these are often used to lure victims into online shopping scams.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods

Avoid using insecure payment methods like wire transfers or prepaid cards when making online purchases. Opt for credit cards or reputable payment services that offer buyer protection.

5. Avoid Suspicious Links, Attachments, and Requests for Gift Cards

Do not click on links or open attachments in emails or messages from unknown senders. These could lead to phishing websites or download malware onto your device. Be cautious of any unsolicited requests for personal information, especially if they come with a sense of urgency or pressure. Also, be wary of requests for gift cards instead of cash, as this is a tactic scammers use to avoid detection.

6. Research Before Donating

If you come across a charity appeal, especially one with a romantic theme, research the organization thoroughly before making a donation. Verify their legitimacy on recognized charity watchdog sites to ensure your contribution goes to a genuine cause.

7. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts. It’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid engaging in any activity that seems suspicious.

8. Protect Your Accounts and Change Passwords Regularly

To further enhance your online security, consider switching your social media accounts to private to avoid unsolicited contact from potential scammers. It’s also crucial to change your passwords regularly, especially if you use the same password for multiple accounts.

What to Do if You Have Been a Victim of a Valentine’s Day Scam

If you believe you have fallen victim to a Valentine’s Day scam, it’s essential to take immediate action:

• Cease communication: Stop all contact with the scammer immediately.
• Report the scam: Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
• Notify the platform: If you encountered the scammer on a dating site or social media platform, notify the platform’s support team to help prevent them from targeting others.
• Protect your accounts: Change your passwords and review your privacy settings on all your online accounts.
• Monitor your finances: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized activity.

 

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love and connection, but it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with online interactions and shopping during this period. By understanding the common scams, recognizing the red flags, and following the safety tips outlined in this article, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes and ensure a happy and secure Valentine’s Day.

Remember to share this information with your loved ones and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Staying vigilant year-round, not just during Valentine’s Day, is essential to protect yourself from online scams.