Protecting yourself from Valentine’s Day fraud
Sarah Ebrahem January 22nd 2025 - 4 minute read

Keeping you and your money safe is our top priority, and we have stringent safeguarding measures in place to help protect all our customers. But there are also steps you need to take to protect yourself from fraud.
To help you identify potential scams and stay safe, we’re publishing a series of articles on fraud protection. This article looks at how to protect yourself from Valentine’s Day fraud.
What scams should you watch out for on Valentine’s Day?
Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day is a prime opportunity for scammers. Many people are busy searching for the perfect gift or looking for love online, making them more vulnerable to fraudsters. Scammers use this time to exploit emotions and generosity, employing various tactics to steal money and personal information.
Here are some common scams to be aware of around Valentine’s Day:
- Fake online gift shops
Fraudsters create websites or social media ads selling Valentine’s Day gifts like jewellery, flowers, or luxury items at unbeatable prices. These sites often look legitimate but either fail to deliver the purchased goods or send low-quality or counterfeit items. This is a type of shopping fraud.
- Romance scams
Relationship fraud, more commonly known as a romance scam, is when a scammer targets people looking for love through dating apps or social media. They create fake profiles, build a connection with their victim, and eventually ask for money under false pretences, such as needing help with an emergency or travel expenses.
- Phishing emails and texts
You might receive messages claiming there’s an issue with a Valentine’s Day delivery or payment. These phishing messages often direct you to fake websites where scammers try to steal your personal and banking details.
- Gift card and E-card scams
Fraudsters sell fake Valentine’s Day gift cards or send e-cards containing malicious links. Clicking these links can install malware on your device, compromising your personal information.
- Charity scams
Scammers sometimes pose as charitable organisations seeking donations for serious causes, tugging at people’s heartstrings during the season of love. These fake charities aim to steal your money or sensitive data.
An Example of a Valentine’s Day scam
Poppy wanted to surprise her boyfriend with a unique, personalised gift for Valentine’s Day. She found an online store advertising custom jewellery at a significant discount and quickly placed an order.
The website seemed legitimate, and she paid using her debit card. After the purchase, Poppy received a confirmation email. But as Valentine’s Day approached, her order never arrived, and her attempts to contact the seller went unanswered.
Later, Poppy discovered that the site was a fake online store, and her payment details had been used for unauthorised transactions.
Five tips to protect yourself from Valentine’s Day fraud
1. Be cautious with online dating and romantic advances
Valentine’s Day often inspires people to seek connections, but scammers exploit this vulnerability by posing as romantic interests on dating apps and social media. Be wary of anyone who seems too eager to establish a deep emotional connection quickly.
Red flags include avoiding video calls or in-person meetings, claiming to be overseas for work or the military, and requesting money for emergencies, travel, or gifts. Always verify the identity of the person you’re speaking with and never send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story might be.
2. Double-check the authenticity of Valentine’s Day offers
Scammers often create fake websites or advertisements promoting Valentine’s Day deals on flowers, jewellery, and gifts. These offers may look professional and legitimate but lead to fraudulent transactions or stolen personal information.
Verify that the website you’re shopping on is genuine by checking that the URL begins with “https” and matches the official retailer’s domain. Look for reviews and complaints online to confirm the site’s legitimacy. Instead of clicking on links in emails or ads, manually type the web address into your browser or use a trusted search engine to find the official site.
3. Safeguard your personal and financial information
Valentine’s Day fraud often involves attempts to steal sensitive information through phishing schemes. Scammers may pose as retailers, romantic partners, or even event organisers to trick you into sharing personal data. Be cautious about sharing any information beyond what is strictly necessary.
Legitimate companies will never ask for passwords, PINs, or security answers. Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorised transactions, especially after making online purchases or engaging with new contacts.
4. Beware of fake delivery scams
Valentine’s Day often involves sending or receiving gifts, and scammers exploit this by sending fake delivery notifications. These messages might claim there’s a problem with your Valentine’s Day package or require you to pay a fee to release it.
Be cautious of any unsolicited messages asking you to click on links or provide personal or payment information. Legitimate delivery companies will never ask for sensitive details via email or text. Always contact the delivery service directly using their official website or phone number to verify any claims.
5. Protect yourself against charity scams
Many people use Valentine’s Day to support causes in the name of love and compassion, which scammers exploit by setting up fake charities. Be sceptical of unsolicited donation requests, especially those with emotional appeals or pressure to act quickly.
Research the charity’s name online and check if it is registered with legitimate organisations like Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Avoid donating through links in emails or social media posts; instead, visit the charity’s official website to make your contribution securely.
What to Do If You’re Targeted by a Scam
If you think you’ve been targeted by a scam, it’s always best to act quickly. Contact your bank or card provider immediately if you’ve shared payment details or notice unauthorised charges.
Then, report the incident to the relevant legal authority in your country. In the UK, you can report fraud to Action Fraud.
You should also notify any companies or organisations involved to alert them to the scam.
More information on Valentine’s Day fraud
Some Valentine’s Day scams are variations of other types of fraud, like shopping fraud, phishing, or relationship fraud. For more tailored advice, check out our other fraud prevention guides.
Furthermore, the charity Victim Support provides resources and specialist help for fraud victims.
Finally, if you’re a customer of Currencies Direct, don’t hesitate to contact us if you notice something suspicious or need reassurance about the security of your currency transfers.
This Valentine’s Day, stay safe and protect yourself—and your loved ones—from fraud.
Written by
Sarah Ebrahem