Valentine’s Day scammers target New Yorkers as holiday nears, BBB issues warning - Here’s what you can do to protect yourself

With Valentine’s Day nearing, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is issuing warnings to consumers about a surge in various scams and fraudulent activities. The BBB’s 2026 Valentine’s Day scam alert throws light upon several types of fraud that tend to rise during the holiday period, as people shop for gifts, use dating apps, or send money to loved ones.

The alert from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is intended to help consumers recognize and avoid common deceptive practices associated with Valentine’s Day. “As you prepare to celebrate, there are a few common scams that you need to be aware of. Whether hoping to spark a new relationship or buying gifts for loved ones, beware of these three scams regularly reported to BBB,” the BBB Scam Alert read.

Top Valentine’s Day scams

The alert on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website has listed a few Valentine’s Day scams that people are required to watch out for.

Fake gift cards or flowers: Scammers may send texts or emails offering discounted or free gifts that require payment information up front.

Romance scams: Romance scammers usually prey on vulnerable people who have gone through a breakup or other hardship recently, according to the BBB website. 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 actual goal, which is mostly to extract money.

Wrong number scam: Responding to a text message from someone who messaged the wrong number might seem harmless. It might even seem like the polite thing to do if they say they’re looking to reconnect with a potential match.

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. Learn more about wrong number texts and scam bots. The red flags in this kind of scam are that the messages don’t stop, the sender directs you to sign up for a website, and they try to get your personal information.

Fake florist scam: The BBB website claimed that the bureau 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. Don't let phony florists ruin Valentine's Day.

How to protect yourself

The BBB has recommended multiple precautions, including verification of the message sender and use of trusted sites and apps. The bureau suggests not sending money or gift cards to someone you haven’t met in person, according to FOX5 New York.

“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,” the BBB scam alert stated.