How to Avoid Fraud When Buying Valentine's Day Gifts Online

 

Valentine's Day inspires a wave of online shopping, with millions eager to buy gifts that speak of love and affection. In 2025, consumers in the U.S. are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine's Day gifts, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). While this level of spending showcases the holiday's significance, it also explains why scammers target this period so aggressively.

Knowing how to stay safe when shopping online ensures Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, not financial regret.

Why Scammers Target Valentine's Day Buyers

Online scams spike during seasonal shopping periods, and Valentine's Day is no exception. Fraudsters know people are in a rush to buy gifts, often letting their guard down while browsing online. Valentine's Day scams range from fake jewelry websites to fraudulent flower delivery services.

Common Scams When Buying Valentine's Day Gifts

Scammers prey on emotional buyers, especially during holidays like Valentine's Day. Recognizing common scam tactics can help protect your purchases and personal information.

1. Fake Online Stores

You're scrolling for the perfect necklace or personalized gift and stumble upon a deal that looks too good to be true. More often than not, it is.

In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 330,000 reports of business impersonation scams, with reported losses exceeding $660 million.

How They Work: Scammers create websites that mimic popular brands, complete with stolen product images and fake customer reviews. Buyers make purchases only to receive counterfeit goods or nothing at all. In some cases, fraudsters use the stolen payment details, such as credit card information, to place further unauthorized transactions.

How to Avoid This:

• Check reviews on trusted platforms like Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau.
• Verify the website's URL. Legitimate sites usually have secure URLs starting with "https."
• Look for valid customer service contact information. Scammers often provide vague or erroneous details or no contact information at all.

Example: Last year, Lisa, a Chicago resident, saw a discounted bracelet on a luxury store's look-alike website. Excited by the low price, she placed an order. Weeks passed with no delivery, and when she followed up, the website had disappeared. Her credit card had also been charged for extra purchases. Lisa reported the issue to her bank, and was able to recover some of her losses, but this case highlights why checking URLs and trusted reviews is key.

2. Social Media Ads

Social media platforms flood users with product ads, and scammers take advantage of this.

In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reported that social media scams contributed significantly to fraud losses, with platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram being common sources of fraudulent ads. TikTok led the way with a 74% click fraud rate, while Facebook followed at 57%.

These ads often lead to fake or deceptive websites designed to steal payment details. You might see a beautifully crafted ad for flowers, chocolates, or custom jewelry, but clicking on it could lead you to a fraudulent site.

How to Stay Safe:

• Avoid impulsively buying through ads.
• Research the brand independently before purchasing.
• Be cautious if the brand has a limited online presence.

3. Fake Delivery Services

Some scammers send fake delivery notifications claiming a package needs additional payment or verification. This can trick buyers into providing payment details or personal information.

What You Can Do:

• Double-check with the company by visiting its official website.
• Don't click on links from unknown senders.
• Confirm order tracking numbers directly with the retailer.

4. Phishing Emails

Phishing emails or email scams look legitimate, often disguised as order confirmations or discount offers. They aim to collect credit card information or login credentials.

How to Spot Them:

• Watch for grammatical errors or generic greetings.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Go directly to the merchant website.
• Use two-factor authentication for online accounts to add another layer of security.

Signs You Might Be Dealing With a Scam

Spotting a scam before falling victim can save you time and money. Here are key red flags:

• Unbelievable Discounts: Scammers often lure buyers with huge markdowns that don't match market pricing.
• Poor Website Design: Unprofessional websites with inconsistent fonts, low-resolution images, or incomplete product descriptions.
• Lack of Contact Information: Legitimate businesses provide detailed contact information, including phone numbers and physical addresses.
• No Return Policy: Fraudulent sites rarely offer refunds or return processes.

7 Best Practices for Safe Online Shopping

You don't have to avoid online shopping altogether. Follow these seven practices to protect your personal information and ensure a successful purchase.

1. Stick to Reputable Websites: Stick to established retailers or verify lesser-known websites through reviews and ratings.
2. Use Secure Payment Methods: Credit cards and payment gateways like PayPal offer buyer protection that debit cards do not. If a transaction turns out to be fraudulent, it's easier to dispute.
3. Read Reviews and Return Policies: Legitimate businesses have a clear return policy and customer reviews. Avoid sites with no feedback or unrealistic return windows.
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Hackers can intercept your data on public networks. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes that public Wi-Fi networks lack encryption, making them an easy target for cybercriminals to monitor or steal sensitive information, including passwords and credit card numbers. Use a private, secure connection when making online purchases.
5. Set Up Alerts: Bank and credit card alerts notify you of suspicious activities. This way, you can take immediate action if unauthorized purchases occur. You can also opt to lock your cards when not in use to avoid unauthorized transactions.

What to Do if You Get Scammed

Despite precautions, scams can happen. Acting fast can minimize damage.

• Contact Your Bank: Immediately notify your bank or credit card provider to freeze the card and dispute the charge if necessary.
• Change Passwords: If you share login information, update passwords for online accounts immediately. Use strong, unique passwords.
• Report the Scam: Inform local authorities and online fraud reporting platforms like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Monitor Accounts: Check your bank statements regularly to spot unusual transactions.
• Check for Malware: If you click on any suspicious links, run a full malware scan on your device. Cybercriminals often plant malicious software to steal sensitive information.

Wrapping Up

Online shopping offers convenience, but you need to stay vigilant. Verify websites, use secure payments, and recognize warning signs before completing transactions. Don't let a thoughtful gift become a source of stress. 

Shop smart, stay safe, and make this Valentine's Day one to remember—for the right reasons.

Happy shopping and happy Valentine's Day!