BBB Warns of Romance Scams Ahead of Valentine's Day

Scammers target dating apps and social media as shoppers search for love and deals.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a spike in romance scams and fake online deals around Valentine's Day. According to the BBB, scammers often appear charming and convincing on dating apps and social media platforms, working quickly to build trust before trying to move the conversation off the app. The BBB also cautions shoppers to be wary of suspicious websites and social media ads that may look legitimate but could leave them without their money or purchases.

Why it matters

Romance scams and fraudulent online shopping deals are common problems that tend to increase around holidays like Valentine's Day when people are more vulnerable and eager to find love or a good deal. The BBB's warnings aim to educate consumers and help them avoid falling victim to these types of scams, which can be difficult to recover from financially.

The details

The BBB says scammers often try to gain a person's trust on dating apps and social media before attempting to move the conversation to email or text, isolating the victim. Fake websites and social media ads that offer deals that seem too good to be true are also common Valentine's Day scams. The BBB recommends consumers investigate any website thoroughly, use credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases, and avoid sending gift cards, as those are warning signs of a potential scam.

  • Valentine's Day is just days away (February 14, 2026).

The players

Better Business Bureau

A nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing marketplace trust, providing business accreditation, and educating consumers.

Carmen Million

President and CEO of BBB South Central.

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What they’re saying

“If it sounds too good to be true, it is; be cautious.”

— Carmen Million, President and CEO of BBB South Central (louisianafirstnews.com)

“The biggest Valentine's Day scams we see now are actually the dating or romance scams. Even if you're on a valid dating app, there are scammers in there perusing, looking for potential victims.”

— Carmen Million, President and CEO of BBB South Central (louisianafirstnews.com)

“They're going to gain your trust. And then they're going to try to get you to go to a different segment, like email or texting. Get you off the app so that they can isolate you and get information.”

— Carmen Million, President and CEO of BBB South Central (louisianafirstnews.com)

“Make sure whatever site you're on, you investigate that site. It should say 'HTTPS.' Scroll to the very bottom, make sure you can find the company name, a mailing address, and phone number.”

— Carmen Million, President and CEO of BBB South Central (louisianafirstnews.com)

“Make sure you use a credit card and not a debit card. If somebody is asking you to send a gift card, that's a warning sign.”

— Carmen Million, President and CEO of BBB South Central (louisianafirstnews.com)

What’s next

The BBB encourages consumers to check a company's reputation and report any suspicious activity through the BBB's Scam Tracker at bbb.org.

The takeaway

This warning from the BBB highlights the importance of consumer vigilance when it comes to online dating, shopping, and financial transactions, especially around holidays when scammers tend to be more active. By being aware of common scam tactics and taking precautions, consumers can better protect themselves from falling victim to romance scams, fraudulent websites, and other holiday-related fraud.