Top 6 Valentine’s Day Scams in 2025 and How to Avoid Them

 

Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love and relationships, but it’s also a prime time for scammers to launch Valentine’s Day scams targeting unsuspecting individuals.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported over $1.14 billion in losses due to romance scams in 2023, with a median loss of $2,000 per individual—the highest among imposter scams. Fraud reports overall exceeded $10 billion in 2023, a 14% increase from 2022. This rising trend highlights the importance of staying alert during the season of love.

Recently, a 53-year-old woman fell victim to a love scam involving a fraudster posing as Brad Pitt, losing $850,000 and divorcing her husband in the process. The scammer initially posed as Pitt’s mother to gain her trust, then pretended to be Pitt himself. Over time, the scammer manipulated her into sending $9,000 for “customs fees” and later demanded $800,000 for a fabricated “cancer treatment.” This tragic case highlights how scammers exploit emotions and trust, especially during sentimental times like Valentine’s Day. 

Below, we’ll uncover the top Valentine’s Day scams and provide practical tips to protect yourself from these threats.

6 Common Valentine’s Day Scams in 2025

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about flowers and chocolates—it’s also prime time for scammers to get creative. Let’s dive into the six most common scams and how to avoid falling for them.

1. Romance Scams

Romance scams often involve someone pretending to be interested in a serious relationship. They gain your trust through consistent communication, only to ask for money later. These scams are common on dating apps and social media.

Signs of a Romance Scam:

• The person quickly professes their love or emotional connection.
• They refuse to meet in person or via video chat.
• They request financial help, often citing “emergencies.”

How to Avoid It:

• Never send money to someone you’ve only met online.
• Use reverse image searches or background check tools to verify their identity.
• Be wary of profiles with little activity or overly polished photos.

Real World Example: A victim met someone on a popular dating app who claimed to be working overseas on a lucrative project. They developed a deep connection through daily messages and calls, but when the supposed project ran into trouble, the scammer requested financial help to "resolve the issue." After wiring thousands of dollars, the victim discovered the profile was fake, and the scammer disappeared. To avoid such situations, always verify the person's identity through reverse image searches or use background check tools before trusting their story.

2. Gift Card Scams

Scammers may contact you pretending to be a secret admirer or offering a Valentine’s Day gift. They’ll ask for personal information or payment via gift cards.

How This Works: You receive an email or text claiming you’ve won a gift. Clicking the link leads to phishing websites or malware downloads.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders.
• If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Check the sender’s email address for authenticity.

3. Fake Flower Delivery Scams

With a spike in flower deliveries on Valentine’s Day, scammers use fake delivery notifications to steal your information.

What to Watch For:

• Calls or emails requesting credit card details for a delivery fee.
• Requests for additional information to complete the delivery.
• Links directing you to suspicious payment portals.

What You Can Do:

• Confirm directly with the flower shop before making any payment.
• Verify the flower shop's identity by checking the email or phone number against the official vendor’s details.
• Stick to reputable vendors for online orders to minimize risks.

4. Online Shopping Scams

Shopping online for Valentine’s Day gifts is convenient but risky. According to the Better Business Bureau’s 2023 Scam Tracker Report, online purchase scams made up 41.9% of all scams, with 82.6% resulting in financial losses.

Counterfeit Jewelry and Gifts: Scammers set up fake websites to sell counterfeit items like jewelry, perfumes, or Valentine's-themed products.

Warning Signs:

• Unrealistic discounts on luxury items.
• Poor website design or unprofessional customer service.
• Lack of a clear return policy or contact information.

Steps to Avoid This Scam:

• Research the retailer before purchasing.
• Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.
• Check for verified reviews on trusted platforms.

5. Phishing Emails and Messages

Phishing scams are designed to steal your personal or financial information through email scams, texts, or social media messages.

How They Work: Scammers send messages pretending to be trusted companies offering Valentine’s Day deals. These messages include links or attachments designed to collect your information.

How to Spot Them:

• Suspicious sender email domains.
• Grammatical errors or generic greetings like “Dear Customer.”
• Messages creating urgency to act quickly.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
• Verify messages by visiting official company websites or checking their social media.
• Use antivirus software to detect harmful attachments.
• Use a reverse phone lookup tool to confirm the legitimacy of SMS senders before responding or clicking links.

6. Social Media Giveaways

Fake giveaways, promising romantic getaways, or expensive gifts are popular ways scammers target individuals on Valentine’s Day.

Red Flags:

• You’re asked to pay a fee to claim your prize.
• The giveaway requires sensitive details, like your Social Security number.

What to Do Instead:

• Verify the giveaway’s legitimacy through the official company page.
• Never share sensitive details when participating in contests.

5 Steps to Protect Yourself

Protecting yourself from Valentine’s Day scams doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these 5 practical tips to protect yourself and your personal information:

1. Be Skeptical of Requests for Money

If someone you’ve recently met online asks for money, proceed with caution. Scammers often create emotional stories to make you feel obligated to help.

2. Verify Identities

Use identity verification tools to confirm someone’s identity. Performing a background check can also uncover details about their history and legitimacy. Scammers commonly use fake identities to manipulate targets.

3. Shop Securely Online

Before entering payment details, check that the website’s address begins with “https.” Avoid unrealistic deals or unconventional payment methods like gift cards.

4. Use Strong Passwords

Protect your accounts with unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers to access your accounts.

5. Stay Educated on Common Scams

Awareness is your best defense. Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this information with friends and family.

Conclusion

Scammers thrive on emotions and urgency, especially during holidays such as Valentine’s Day. By staying informed about Valentine’s Day scams, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from financial and emotional harm.

Take simple precautions like verifying identities, shopping securely, and avoiding unsolicited links or messages. The season of love should bring happiness, not losses. Share this knowledge with others and help create a safer environment for everyone celebrating this Valentine’s Day.