Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love—but scammers know emotions can run high. Here are a few common Valentine’s Day scams and how to protect yourself.
Gift Card Scams Scammers may pose as loved ones or businesses and urgently ask for gift cards. Tip: Treat gift cards like cash—never share codes or send them to unverified contacts.
Fake Florists & Online Shopping Scams Some fake websites advertise flowers, gifts, or jewelry but never deliver. Tip: Shop with reputable retailers, read reviews, and use secure payment methods.
Dating App & Subscription Scams Scammers may request “verification” or premium fees to continue conversations. Tip: Only pay through official app stores and watch for unexpected charges.
Charity Scams with a Love Twist Fraudsters may ask for donations in someone’s honor. Tip: Verify charities before giving through trusted directories or official websites.
Tips from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Be careful what you post publicly online. Scammers use details shared online to better understand and target you and could eventually use that information against you.
Always assume con artists are trolling even the most reputable dating and social media sites.
Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere, or flagged by others as suspicious.
Go slowly and ask lots of questions.
Do not share sensitive personal information, such as a social security number, home address, passwords, or financial account information.
Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from family and friends. Never leave a dating or social media site to talk on an encrypted messaging platform.
Do not provide compromising photos or any financial information if requested as that could later be used to extort you.
Beware if the individual promises to meet in person, then always comes up with an excuse why they can’t.
Never, ever send money, gift cards, gold bars, or cryptocurrency to someone you have never met in person, or give those items to a courier sent to retrieve them from you. Call a family member, friend, or law enforcement before sending any of these items.
If you are planning to meet your online companion in person, meet in a public place and let someone know where you will be and when you are expected to be home.
If you are traveling to a foreign country to meet the person you met online, check the State Department’s Travel Advisories beforehand (http://travel.state.gov), provide your itinerary to family and friends, and do not travel alone if possible.