BBB warns consumers about Valentine’s Day scams

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The National Retail Federation is predicting consumer spending this Valentine’s Day will reach nearly $24 billion. As many of us prepare to celebrate, the Better Business Bureau wants you to know the top Valentine’s Day scams.

Imposter websites

Keep in mind that it’s easy for scammers to build attractive websites that look similar to the real thing.

Red flags:   

• Products are offered at extreme discounts
• The seller asks customers to pay with cash transfer apps or cryptocurrency
• Customer service is unreachable

Romance scams

These types of scams often target vulnerable people who have experienced a recent breakup or hardship. They take advantage of the heartbreak to establish a connection and gain sympathy. Once they’ve gotten their victim on the hook with a sad story, they begin pursuing their true goal – money.

Red flags:   

• The relationship moves very fast
• You never meet in person
• They ask for money        

Wrong number scams

Responding to a text message from someone who messaged the wrong number might seem harmless. The text message, however, is bait to lure you into a conversation. If you keep chatting, they eventually try to get your personal information by directing you to sign up for an adult site.

Red flags:

• The messages don’t stop
• The sender directs you to sign up for a website
• They try to get your personal information.

fake florist scams

If you’re ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day, try not to procrastinate. We’ve received reports of shoppers who thought they were ordering flowers from an online florist but either got nothing at all or a disappointing arrangement.

Red flags:

• The business has no positive or negative reviews.
• You can’t find a return policy or satisfaction guarantee.
• The deal seems “too good to be true.”