Experts Warn of Surging Valentine's Day Scams as Spending Hits $29.1 Billion

Imposter websites, romance scams, wrong number tricks, and fake florists target emotional shoppers this holiday.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As Valentine's Day spending is projected to reach a record $29.1 billion this year, experts are cautioning consumers to be on the lookout for a variety of scams targeting emotional shoppers. These include imposter websites selling counterfeit goods, romance scams that prey on lonely hearts, "wrong number" tricks to steal personal data, and fake florist services that never deliver.

Why it matters

With Valentine's Day spending at an all-time high, scammers are ramping up their efforts to take advantage of people shopping for gifts and looking for love. These scams can result in significant financial losses and emotional distress for victims, highlighting the need for increased consumer awareness and protection.

The details

Scammers may create fake websites selling jewelry or online dating services, using professional graphics and logos to appear legitimate. Red flags include extremely discounted products, requests for payment via cash transfer apps or cryptocurrency, and unresponsive customer service. Romance scammers build trust with victims, often those recovering from breakups or hardships, before asking for money, while "wrong number" scams try to direct victims to adult websites. Fake florist services may offer deals that are "too good to be true" and provide no satisfaction guarantee.

  • Valentine's Day spending is projected to reach $29.1 billion in 2026, up from $27.5 billion in 2025.

The players

Karen Reeves

President and CEO of BBB North Alabama.

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What they’re saying

“Valentine's Day is expected to bring in about $29.1 billion in spending, up from $27.5 billion in 2025 and unfortunately, scammers know this is a time when people are shopping emotionally — and sometimes not as cautiously as they should.”

— Karen Reeves, President and CEO of BBB North Alabama (rocketcitynow.com)

The takeaway

This Valentine's Day, consumers should be extra vigilant when shopping online or looking for romantic connections, as scammers are increasingly targeting emotional shoppers. By being aware of common scam tactics, consumers can protect themselves from financial and emotional harm.