RALEIGH – This Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be big, according to projections by the National Retail Federation, which suggests that consumer spending will reach nearly $26 billion. Whether hoping to spark a new relationship or buying gifts for loved ones, Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Carolinas (BBB) wants consumers to be aware of these three scams regularly reported to BBB.
Impostor websites
Consumers should always be alert for impostor websites, from fake jewelry sellers to online dating sites. Scammers can easily lift official photos, sale promotions, and logos directly from the website of a popular jewelry brand. With professional graphics and unbeatable prices, scammers build an attractive website that looks eerily similar to the real thing.
Similar methods may be used to build fake online dating platforms, often used to steal personal data and credit card information.
One consumer from Raleigh used BBB’s Scam Tracker to warn others about her experience on an impostor dating website that resulted in losing a total of $329. “I was catfished twice on this dating site. Every time I wanted to hear his reply I was charged $16. I was also charged $99 to open up a letter that he had written. I was never talking to a real man.”
Red flags:
- Products are available at extreme discounts.
- The seller requests customers pay with cash transfer apps or cryptocurrency.
- Customer service is unreachable.
Romance scams
Romance scammers often target vulnerable people who have experienced a recent breakup or other hardship. They take advantage of that 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.
Scammers are putting new twists on romance scams, including telling matches on dating sites that they can get rich through a cryptocurrency scam, and duping victims with fake promises of a weekly allowance from a “sugar momma” or “sugar daddy.” “Sugar momma” scammers ask victims to transfer part of the cash allowance to a fake charity, their needy friend, pay an outstanding bill, or purchase a gift card. Never send money or sensitive personal information to someone you’ve never met in person.
Red flags:
- The relationship moves very fast.
- You never meet in person.
- They ask for money.
Wrong number scam
Responding to a text message from someone who messaged the wrong number might seem harmless. However, the text message 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 scam
Ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day? Don’t procrastinate or you may end up falling for a scam. BBB has received many 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 reviews or bad reviews (always check BBB.org!)
- You can’t find a return policy or satisfaction guarantee.
- The deal is “too good to be true.”
What to do if you encounter a scam
If you encounter a suspected romance scam, cut off all contact with the perpetrator by blocking their accounts and phone number. Then, report your experience to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Dating site users should also report suspicious activity to the platform so they can take action against the scammer’s account.
See more BBB’s Valentine’s Day scam alerts and tips at BBB.org/Valentine.
