Don't Get Scammed! How to Shop Safely This Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is one of the busiest shopping times of the year, with billions spent on gifts, travel, and dining. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine's Day in 2025, up from $25.8 billion in 2024. 

Unfortunately, scammers take full advantage of this spending surge. Fake online stores, fraudulent travel deals, and romance scams top the list of threats. Being informed about these tactics can help shoppers avoid falling victim to these common frauds and protect their finances.

Common Scams Targeting Valentine's Day Shoppers  

Scammers take advantage of the holiday rush, tricking people into spending money on fraudulent purchases, fake travel deals, and online romance scams.

Understanding these schemes and knowing what to look for can help you shop safely and avoid financial losses.

Here are the most common scams that target Valentine's Day shoppers.

Fake Online Stores and Gift Scams   

As online shopping becomes more convenient, scammers have adapted, creating deceptive websites that closely resemble legitimate retailers. Many consumers, excited by holiday discounts, unknowingly fall into these traps.

Scammers set up fake websites that look like real online stores. They advertise high-end jewelry, designer perfume, and luxury chocolates at unbeatable prices. Once the payment goes through, the items never arrive.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), online purchase scams accounted for 41.9% of all reported fraud cases in 2023, with 82.6% of victims reporting monetary losses. This makes it one of the most widespread forms of fraud, particularly during peak shopping seasons like Valentine's Day.

How to Spot Fake Stores   

• Prices seem too low compared to other retailers
• No physical address or contact details listed
• Only payment option is a wire transfer or cryptocurrency
• No reviews or only five-star reviews that sound generic

 

How to Avoid Getting Tricked   

• Buy from well-known retailers or verified sellers
• Check reviews from multiple sources, not just the website
• Look for secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal
• Verify if the website has an SSL certificate (it should start with "https")

 

Phony Flower Delivery Services   

After online stores, flower delivery services are another common target for fraudsters. Many shoppers seek quick and affordable options, but scammers exploit this urgency with fake listings.

Flowers are a popular Valentine's Day gift, making fake flower delivery services a common scam. Scammers create fake sites promising next-day delivery at a discount. Customers place orders, but no flowers ever arrive.

Red Flags for Fake Flower Shops   

• Prices are significantly lower than competitors
• Poor website design with spelling errors
• No phone number or customer support
• Unusual payment options like gift cards

 

How to Stay Safe   

• Order from a florist with a local store or strong online presence
• Call the company before placing an order to confirm legitimacy
• Use secure payment methods that offer purchase protection

Fake Travel and Hotel Deals   

Romantic getaways are a top choice for Valentine's Day gifts, making travel scams particularly effective. Fraudsters entice consumers with luxury vacation packages at unbelievably low prices, only for travelers to discover their reservations never existed.

Couples planning romantic getaways are targeted with fake travel deals. Scammers send emails or post ads offering deeply discounted vacation packages. Once booked, the reservations don't exist, or hidden fees appear at checkout.

According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, fraudulent third-party booking scams cost consumers an estimated $1.3 billion annually as of 2024. This highlights the ongoing risk of deceptive online hotel booking practices. 

 Common Warning Signs   

• Offers sound too good to be true
• You must pay upfront before seeing the full details
• The booking site lacks customer reviews or clear refund policies
• The company name is slightly misspelled to mimic a real travel agency

 How to Protect Your Money   

• Book directly with airlines, hotels, or reputable travel sites
• Check for reviews from real travelers before making reservations
• Avoid wiring money or using payment apps that don't offer refunds

  

Romance Scams   

Online dating activity surges around Valentine's Day, and scammers take advantage of lonely hearts. According to the FTC, romance scams cost consumers over $1.3 billion in 2023. Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, pretending to seek relationships before asking for money, gift cards, or personal information.

 

 Common Romance Scam Tactics   

• They quickly profess love and want to move the relationship forward fast.
• They avoid video calls or in-person meetings.
• They have an excuse for needing money (medical emergencies, travel expenses, legal troubles)
• They ask for financial assistance, sometimes through cryptocurrency or gift cards.

 

 How to Protect Yourself   

• Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
• Do a reverse image search to check if their photos are stolen.
• Be cautious if they avoid meeting face-to-face.
• Use background checks or identity verification tools to confirm their identity. For example, a people search can allow you to verify someone's address history, phone number, and email address.
• Report suspicious profiles on dating apps or social media.

 Fake Event Tickets   

Concerts, dinner events, and Valentine's parties often sell out, creating an opportunity for scammers to sell fake tickets. Fraudulent ticket scams cost consumers over $300 million in 2023, according to the BBB.

 Warning Signs of Fake Ticket Scams   

• The seller pressures you to pay quickly, often using Venmo or Zelle
• The ticket design appears different from the official ones
• The seller refuses to provide proof of ticket legitimacy
• The price is significantly lower than the market value

How to Avoid Losing Money   

• Purchase tickets from official event websites or authorized resellers
• Verify the ticket's authenticity with the event organizer before purchasing
• Be wary of sellers who insist on non-refundable payment methods

 

Conclusion  

Scammers exploit emotions and urgency during Valentine's Day, leading to financial losses for many. Romance scams, fake stores, and fraudulent travel deals continue to grow each year.

Verifying URLs and business legitimacy before making purchases can prevent falling into scams. Credit cards provide better fraud protection than debit cards, making them a safer option. If something feels off, it's best to walk away. Additionally, reporting fraud to the FTC or BBB can help others avoid scams.

When dealing with unknown sellers or online contacts, using background checks or identity verification tools adds security. Valentine's Day should be about love, not financial loss. Staying cautious ensures a safe and enjoyable celebration.