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in Scam Awareness
da.lacounty.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 27-year-old man in Lancaster, California was charged with stealing over $4,000 and attempting to steal over $13,000 in public benefits using fraudulent EBT cards obtained through skimming devices at an ATM. The suspect allegedly used nine different cloned cards and possessed multiple skimming devices, pinhole cameras, and re-encoded gift cards in what authorities describe as a sophisticated operation targeting vulnerable benefit recipients. The case highlights California's broader EBT fraud crisis, with over $100 million in stolen funds reported statewide in the past year, primarily in Los Angeles County.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Justice filed civil actions against five telecom companies and three individuals for facilitating hundreds of millions of fraudulent robocalls originating primarily from India, targeting elderly and vulnerable Americans with government and business imposter scams. Despite repeated warnings, the defendants continued operating VoIP carrier services that enabled foreign-based fraud schemes involving fake Social Security, IRS, and tech-support calls designed to extort large sums of money from victims. A temporary restraining order was granted against Global Voicecom defendants, with the DOJ pledging to pursue both criminal and civil remedies against those knowingly facilitating these predatory calls.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Thomas Ressler, 66, of Montana, was sentenced to 36 months in prison in June 2018 for creating over 200 fraudulent sweepstakes and prize-notification letters used in an international mail-fraud scheme that defrauded thousands of elderly victims. His co-conspirators Ryan Young and Ercan Barka used Ressler's designs to send fake solicitations claiming recipients could claim cash prizes by paying processing fees, but victims who paid never received the promised prizes. The scheme targeted victims across the United States and foreign countries using purchased mailing lists, with some victims receiving only worthless jewelry or unrelated sweepstakes reports in return.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three U.S. citizens were sentenced to prison for operating sweepstakes fraud schemes from Costa Rica that targeted hundreds of victims, many elderly, between 2007 and 2015. The defendants falsely claimed victims had won cash prizes and repeatedly demanded "refundable insurance fees" and other charges, with Bonner's scheme alone causing approximately $10 million in losses; Bonner received 180 months in prison and was ordered to pay $9.7 million in restitution, while Schiavone and Ricker received 48 and 42 months respectively and were ordered to pay $399,852 each in restitution.
moneywise.com
· 2025-12-08
Sandy and Joseph Parks were deceived by Capital Vacations salespeople who convinced them to convert their paid-off timeshare into a points-based system, only to discover they had unknowingly agreed to purchase additional timeshares for $55,000; the company further falsified their income information to qualify them for credit cards to pay the debt. This case exemplifies timeshare fraud schemes that the FBI reports have cost victims over $300 million in the past five years, particularly targeting older Americans. To protect yourself, read contracts carefully, research the company thoroughly, and avoid signing under pressure, as 87% of timeshare owners regret their purchases.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Qantas frequent flyer members were targeted by a phishing email scam falsely claiming unauthorized account access and requesting recipients click a suspicious link to "cancel the operation." An unknown number of emails were sent, and a small number of Qantas members fell victim and are now working with the airline to secure their accounts. The National Anti-Scam Centre confirmed this is a common tactic using well-known brands to steal personal information and commit fraud, and advised Australians to report scams to Scamwatch and notify their banks if compromised.
futurescot.com
· 2025-12-08
Jordan Reid co-founded SENGUARD, a cybersecurity service designed to protect people over 50 from online fraud, after his grandfather Ian Gardner fell victim to a ransomware attack that wiped his files and left him isolated and anxious in his final years. The Glasgow-based start-up offers scam surveillance, account security, and privacy protection with accessible features like voice-guided navigation, and has secured £75,000 in funding to expand pilot programs across UK cities. According to cited research, scams cost older UK adults an average of nearly £4,000 each, with 1.2 million older adults reporting anxiety about online fraud.
coasttv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Millsboro nurse with 20 years of experience was targeted by employment fraud scammers posing as recruiters from IBSA Pharma on LinkedIn in November 2024; the scammers used nearly identical email addresses and the real names of actual company employees to convince her to deposit a check and purchase a MacBook Pro. After contacting the real company's HR department, Katrina discovered the deception and did not lose any money, though she was left without employment and emotionally distressed about her family's financial security. The scammers attempted to target her again two weeks later with a Walmart secret shopper scheme, which she recognized and avoided.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A 16-year-old girl in Glasgow was scammed out of £125 after clicking on a fake social media advert for clothing brand Lucy & Yak that offered items at unusually low prices; she entered her debit card details but the items never arrived, though her bank successfully recovered the funds. The scam mimicked the legitimate brand with authentic logos and product images, with only a subtle dollar sign instead of a pound symbol as a red flag. The incident highlights that teens are vulnerable to social media fraud, with research showing a quarter of British teens are likely to fall for scam texts, prompting warnings to verify sources and check official websites before making purchases.
carolinanewsandreporter.cic.sc.edu
· 2025-12-08
Final Victory Animal Rescue fell victim to a fake Venmo account impersonating the charity in December 2024, resulting in lost donations and adoption fees that were redirected to scammers. The incident highlights the increasing sophistication of online scams, with scammers creating legitimate-looking websites and payment accounts; the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs reports that 33% of 2024 scam reports involved online contact, with purchase scams being the most common type. The charity emphasized the importance of verifying official charity accounts and recommended donating only to well-known registered organizations.
nj1015.com
· 2025-12-08
A jury duty scam is resurfacing in New Jersey, where con artists contact people via phone, text, or email claiming they failed to appear for jury duty and threatening arrest unless they pay a fine immediately. The actual judiciary never requests payment, personal financial information, or identification numbers to resolve jury duty issues; legitimate communications may only request date of birth and residential address. Residents should hang up, avoid clicking links, and report suspected scam communications to their county jury management office and local law enforcement.
bigissue.com
· 2025-12-08
Rental housing scams on Facebook Marketplace are proliferating as desperate renters seek affordable options, with Generation Rent research finding that 74% of listings contained suspicious indicators and 56% appeared to be fraudulent based on Meta's own criteria. Common red flags include newly created seller profiles, stolen property photos from sites like Rightmove and Booking.com, and prices significantly below market rates, with London listings particularly vulnerable (86% suspiciously underpriced). Meta's moderation practices have drawn criticism for failing to remove obviously fake listings, raising concerns about the platform's ability to protect vulnerable renters from exploitation during a cost-of-living crisis.
wfiwradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel is warning patients of scam calls using spoofed hospital phone numbers to fraudulently obtain personal information such as Medicare and Social Security numbers. The alert identifies nine types of circulating scams targeting patients, including fake card replacements, vaccine offers, and refund claims, and advises recipients to hang up on suspicious calls and report them to authorities.
pensionsage.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has announced enhanced efforts to combat pension scams through strengthened multi-agency collaboration, including embedding intelligence experts within the City of London Police and National Economic Crime Centre to improve information sharing and disrupt scams before they occur. The initiative builds on previous successes such as the ScamSmart campaign and industry pledges, while emphasizing that industry members and savers must report suspected scams to Action Fraud to help build critical intelligence for identifying emerging pension fraud threats.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about an advanced fee loan scam in which callers, often posing as "Jessica" from fake loan processing companies, contact consumers to verify personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account details. Between November and January, the BBB received over 500 reports of this scam operating nationwide, with victims reporting multiple daily calls from different numbers using nearly identical scripts. The BBB advises consumers to verify company legitimacy through their free online portal, never disclose personal information to unknown callers, watch for red flags like vague details and urgent demands, and report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
kstp.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers pose as tax preparers and IRS agents to steal personal information, refunds, and identities, with some fraudsters filing returns to collect refunds of thousands of dollars in victims' names. To protect yourself, hire accredited local tax preparers with verifiable credentials and Preparer Tax Identification Numbers, be aware that the IRS initiates contact by mail (never by phone or email), and file your return early using trusted software or free IRS resources to prevent identity theft. Red flags include unsolicited IRS contact, pressure to pay immediately, or offers of instant refunds with high fees.
transylvaniatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau in southern Piedmont and western North Carolina released its 2024 top five scams report, identifying online purchase, phishing/imposter, employment, debt collection, and lottery/prize scams as the most prevalent schemes in the region. The report highlights how scammers increasingly use sophisticated technology and social engineering tactics to deceive victims, such as impersonating trusted entities to steal personal information or tricking job applicants into paying fake training fees. The BBB recommends consumers visit BBB.org's scam tracker to report fraudulent activity and emphasizes that a healthy marketplace requires informed consumers and principled businesses working together to prevent scams.
mynews4.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service issued a Valentine's Day alert about romance scams, which involve fraudsters creating fake identities online to build trust with victims before requesting money through mail, wire transfers, or gift cards for fabricated emergencies. The agencies recommend victims avoid relationships that escalate quickly or involve avoidance of video calls, never send money to online contacts, and report suspected scams to USPIS, local law enforcement, or the FTC.
wandtv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The FBI Springfield office warned the public about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that criminals use fake identities on dating websites and social media to establish trust with victims before exploiting them financially. Illinois residents lost nearly $19 million to romance scams in 2023, with nationwide losses totaling $652.5 million that year. The FBI provided warning signs including requests to move off dating platforms, quick professions of love, claims of overseas locations, and requests for money, urging people to take their time vetting potential online partners and report suspected scams immediately.
news.clemson.edu
· 2025-12-08
The Clemson University Police Department warns of multiple scam tactics targeting people around Valentine's Day, including romance scams (where scammers quickly profess love and request money), fake gift/flower websites that steal credit card information, phishing emails with malware, fraudulent dating app profiles, and counterfeit event ticket sales. The department recommends never sending money to online contacts you haven't met in person, purchasing only from reputable retailers, avoiding suspicious links and attachments, enabling two-factor authentication, and verifying all communications before responding. Victims should report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.
medicinehatnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicine Hat is experiencing rising reports of scams targeting seniors, including the Grandparent Scam, romance scams, and phishing schemes, with 78% of adults aged 65 and older having encountered at least one fraud attempt. The Veiner Centre partnered with Reality Bytes Inc. to offer a February 13 presentation on identifying and preventing fraud, and highlighted its Elder Abuse Outreach team that provides assessment, support, and case management to seniors experiencing financial abuse, some of whom have lost their life savings.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old New York man, Carmine Maietta, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for operating a multi-million dollar scheme that sent fraudulent prize notification mailings to thousands of consumers from 2013 to 2018, deceiving them into paying fees for cash prizes they never received. Five defendants total pleaded guilty in the scheme, with Maietta facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison at sentencing. The case highlights how mass mailing fraud schemes specifically target elderly and vulnerable victims, and the Department of Justice emphasized its commitment to prosecuting perpetrators of elder fraud.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Fabrisio Arias was sentenced to 41 months in prison and ordered to pay $395,536 in restitution for laundering money in an international sweepstakes scam that defrauded at least 22 elderly victims between November 2020 and September 2022. Scammers based in Costa Rica used spoofed phone numbers to call seniors, impersonating IRS and FTC officials, convincing victims they had won prizes but needed to pay fees first; victims sent cashier's checks and money orders to Arias in California, who deposited the funds and transferred most to co-conspirators abroad. Many victims in their seventies to n
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A federal court issued a permanent injunction against Michael Brian Cotter and five companies operating a large-scale technical-support fraud scheme that defrauded hundreds of elderly and vulnerable Americans from 2011 to 2020. The scheme used fake Microsoft security pop-ups to trick victims into calling India-based call centers, where fraudsters gained remote computer access and convinced victims to pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for unnecessary software and services. The injunction permanently bars the defendants from selling technical-support services via telemarketing or websites and transfers 19 fraudulent domain names to the U.S. government.
english.gujaratsamachar.com
· 2025-12-08
Indian authorities launched a special awareness campaign during Valentine's Week to combat romance scams, where cybercriminals pose as romantic interests to solicit money from victims. A recent case in Ranchi involved a woman who lost ₹7 lakh after meeting a man on a matrimonial site who claimed to need emergency funds before their planned meeting, then disappeared. Authorities urge people to report suspected fraud by calling 1930 or filing complaints at cybercrime.gov.in, emphasizing the need to verify online connections before sending money.
ky3.com
· 2025-12-08
Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott was scammed on Facebook Marketplace when purchasing a vintage Pontiac Trans Am hood; after the seller requested an additional $150 payment for "stuck shipping," Arnott realized the fraud and reported it to Facebook. The scammer was located in Africa, making recovery unlikely, and Arnott advises purchasing locally to verify items in person before completing transactions.
nemasket.theweektoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Middleboro Senior Center is hosting an educational program on February 20 where Police Elder Affairs Officer Steve Valerio will teach seniors about common scams targeting them, including fake package delivery alerts, online romance schemes, Medicare/government impersonations, and fraudulent tech support calls, with advice on how to avoid scammers. The center is also offering other February activities including a Valentine's Day entertainment event on February 13 and a historical presentation about the Blizzard of 1978 on February 27.
profit.pakistantoday.com.pk
· 2025-12-08
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) warned that fraudsters are operating Ponzi schemes disguised as real estate investment projects, targeting senior citizens and other investors with promises of unrealistic monthly returns. Scammers use forged or misrepresented SECP registration certificates and tax numbers to appear legitimate, collecting deposits into unregistered bank accounts while early investors receive returns to create the illusion of a working scheme. The SECP clarified it does not regulate such real estate investment schemes and urged the public to avoid investments based on guaranteed returns and to report suspicious activities to law enforcement.
fox10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Jamaican nationals were arrested in Foley, Alabama in February 2023 for operating a lottery scam that defrauded over $200,000 from victims nationwide, primarily elderly people. The suspects used a Publisher's Clearing House scheme, telling victims they had won a lottery but needed to pay "taxes" before claiming winnings; while FedEx intercepted thousands of dollars in cash and checks between April 2020 and February 2023, some victims still lost money. The four men face federal charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy, with potential sentences up to 20 years in prison.
reporternews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Brown County and surrounding areas are impersonating sheriff's deputies in phone calls, claiming victims have missed court dates or arrest warrants and demanding immediate payment via cryptocurrency machines. The Brown County Sheriff's Office warns that legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding payment for fines or warrants, and victims should report such calls to local authorities. Similar scams have been reported across multiple Texas counties, with perpetrators instructing victims to withdraw bank funds and convert them to Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
wbckfm.com
· 2025-12-08
FBI warned Gmail users nationwide, including in Michigan, of sophisticated AI-powered phishing scams impersonating Google support staff who contact victims by phone (with spoofed caller ID) and follow up with emails requesting account recovery codes that grant scammers access. The scam is particularly dangerous because it uses AI technology to create highly believable impersonations, with even tech-savvy victims describing it as "the most sophisticated phishing attack" they've encountered. The FBI advises never responding to unsolicited contact from companies claiming to be Google, banks, or other support services, and instead independently contacting those companies to verify any suspicious communications.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scammers impersonate IRS agents to pressure victims into disclosing personal financial information or making immediate payments under threat of arrest or deportation. The IRS advises people to be wary of unsolicited phone calls, suspicious website links, demands for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and promises of large refunds, noting that the agency typically contacts taxpayers by mail only and never requests sensitive information via phone, email, or text.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warned the public about romance scams, in which fraudsters create fake identities and build trust with victims over weeks or months before requesting money through transfers, checks, gift cards, or wire payments. The agencies recommend avoiding relationships that escalate quickly, refusing requests for money from people you haven't met in person, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities. Victims should report scams to the USPIS, local law enforcement, and the Federal Trade Commission.
waka.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims over a billion dollars annually, with scammers using tactics like fake "meet-cute" encounters, impersonating military personnel, and requesting money or banking information under the guise of plane tickets or other expenses. To protect yourself, perform reverse image searches on photos, avoid using the same profile photos across platforms, and inform trusted friends and family about online contacts, as anyone—from young people to lonely seniors—can fall victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
whsv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that "sugar daddy" and "sugar mommy" romance scams increase around Valentine's Day, where scammers pose as wealthy individuals offering victims weekly allowances of hundreds or thousands of dollars in exchange for completing "favors" like purchasing gift cards or paying bills. The scammers typically overpay victims using fraudulent checks or peer-to-peer payment services, and when the payment is reversed, victims are left liable for the money they spent. The BBB recommends verifying dates through reverse image searches, asking detailed questions, and never sending money or personal information to people you haven't met in person.
nbcmontana.com
· 2025-12-08
The USPS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service warn consumers about romance scams that increase around Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before fabricating urgent financial needs and requesting money, checks, or gift cards be sent through the mail. To protect themselves, individuals should avoid online relationships that progress quickly, verify inconsistencies in profiles, never send money to people they haven't met in person, and report suspected scams immediately.
selangorjournal.my
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old company manager in Kuala Lumpur lost RM2.56 million to the UVKXE cryptocurrency investment scam, which promised returns of 10-50% and was advertised on Facebook; the victim made 26 transactions across 14 bank accounts before being asked for additional payments whenever attempting withdrawals. Police have received 44 reports involving the same scheme with total losses exceeding RM33 million, and authorities warn that nearly all reported cryptocurrency investment cases are scams using fake profit displays and advanced technology to deceive victims.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Bengaluru woman lost ₹2 crore between December 2024 and January 2025 in an investment scam where fraudsters posing as "Hem Securities" representatives promised high stock market returns and convinced her to transfer funds across multiple accounts. When she attempted withdrawal, the scammers demanded an additional 15% commission (which she paid) before cutting off contact, and she discovered the fraud after being unable to reach them. Bengaluru Police have registered a case under the IT Act and are investigating amid rising investment scams in the region.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
On February 3, 2025, the Grand Rapids Police Department arrested an out-of-state male in possession of $42,800 cash after investigating multiple "grandparent" scams in which callers falsely claimed victims' grandsons had been arrested and needed bail or legal fees. At least three elderly victims fell victim to the scheme, including a Southeast Grand Rapids couple who paid $17,000; law enforcement identified the suspect through victim descriptions and home surveillance footage, then located the cash in labeled envelopes during a vehicle search warrant execution. Police urge residents to verify family emergencies by directly contacting the family member in question and to report similar scam calls to the Itasca
ilmattino.it
· 2025-12-08
The Carabinieri police department in Avellino, Italy is expanding its elder fraud prevention campaign by adding cinema screenings to complement existing community outreach efforts in churches and senior centers. The new initiative projects awareness spots in movie theaters before films and during intermissions to reach a broader audience with information about common scams. The campaign emphasizes that scams targeting elderly people cause not only financial harm but also significant emotional trauma, particularly for isolated or vulnerable seniors.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Seattle senior identified as David was defrauded of $435,000 by two brothers, Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, who convinced him his roof and foundation needed urgent repairs and then pressured him into paying for work that was never completed or unnecessary. The brothers pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges and were sentenced to 18 months in prison, though David was only able to recover $200,000 of the lost funds. The case highlights a common scam targeting homeowners, particularly seniors, who are approached at their doors with claims of urgent repairs and pressured into multiple payments.
desertsun.com
· 2025-12-08
Rep. Raul Ruiz introduced the Protecting Seniors from Healthcare Fraud Act of 2013 to combat health care scams targeting seniors during the Affordable Care Act rollout, requiring the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to develop policy recommendations and educate seniors about common fraud schemes. Common scams included callers pressuring seniors to update Medicare information or provide Social Security numbers and bank account details, with fake Covered California websites also fraudulently imitating the legitimate insurance marketplace. The bipartisan bill had support from AARP and aimed to help seniors recognize warning signs and report fraudulent activity to law enforcement.
northcentralpa.com
· 2025-12-08
Highmark's Financial Investigations and Provider Review department partnered with the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office in 2024 to launch an elder fraud awareness campaign, reaching over 650,000 seniors with information about common scams (romance, tech support, grandparent, and lottery schemes) that cost Americans over 60 approximately $3.1 billion annually. The initiative earned the 2024 Excellence in Public Awareness Award and complemented Highmark's broader anti-fraud efforts, which have saved over $2 billion since 2017 through billing error corrections and programs addressing prescription fraud and substance use disorder.
moneywise.com
· 2025-12-08
A Seattle man identified as David lost over $400,000 to two brothers, Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, who convinced him his roof and foundation needed urgent repairs and then collected payment for work they never completed. The brothers pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges and were sentenced to 18 months in prison, though David was only able to recover $200,000 of the fraudulent wire transfer. The case highlights a common scam targeting homeowners, particularly seniors, and experts recommend never hiring door-to-door solicitors and always obtaining a second opinion from a trusted professional before authorizing any repairs.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service warns consumers about romance scams that develop over months, in which scammers cultivate trust through social media and dating apps before creating fake financial emergencies to solicit money from victims. Once detected, these scams are difficult to recover from and leave victims with significant financial and emotional losses. Consumers should avoid sending money to people they've never met in person, especially those who avoid video calls or request secrecy, and should report suspected romance scams to the United States Postal Inspection Service.
nationthailand.com
· 2025-12-08
The government has issued a Valentine's Day warning about eight common romance scams that increase in February, cautioning the public against clicking suspicious links, downloading questionable apps, and using unreputable online retailers. Romance scammers typically build trust with victims before manipulating them into money transfers, and authorities urge people to report suspected scams to relevant officials.
nationwidemediacentre.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Nationwide research found that 41% of singles seek love online, with 36% admitting to white lies on dating profiles, while only 11% feel confident spotting romance scams where criminals use fake identities to extract money. The research reveals that 27% of online daters have been contacted by imposters and 46% would ignore red flags, with scammers particularly exploiting vulnerable individuals around Valentine's Day when 24% feel pressured to have a date and 29% report loneliness. Nationwide advises caution against suspicious profiles, "love bombing," unverified photos, requests for money, and recommends reporting suspicious activity to protect against romance fraud.
abc7news.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Consumers in Sonoma County were warned about a phishing scam impersonating Costco that offered a free Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker in exchange for survey completion. The fraudulent emails, originating from "@handtoneed.net" rather than an official Costco domain, aimed to steal financial information or gain computer access. Authorities advised recipients to verify sender email addresses and avoid clicking suspicious links.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting fake Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems—automated phone systems used by banks and government agencies—to trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information through spoofed caller IDs and professional voice cloning. Recent incidents include a woman in Bengaluru who lost Rs 2 lakh and a man in Sri Vijaya Puram who lost Rs 80,000 after responding to fraudulent calls mimicking their bank and government agencies. Legitimate IVRs never request OTPs, CVVs, or passwords; senior citizens, non-English speakers, and new online banking users are most vulnerable, and people should hang up and independently verify contact numbers when
wmtv15news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about several Valentine's Day scams targeting the $26 billion expected spending for the holiday, including fake websites offering unrealistically low prices on jewelry and goods, romance scams where fraudsters build emotional connections before requesting money, wrong-number text scams designed to extract personal information, and fake florist websites that either never deliver flowers or make unauthorized charges. To protect themselves, consumers should watch for red flags such as suspiciously low prices, requests for cryptocurrency or cash transfers, pressure to meet quickly in romance situations, and unverified sellers, and should verify websites are legitimate and use secure payment methods.