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Valentine’s Day warning: 7 online scams to stay away from

Valentine’s Day is a popular time for online scams, from fake gift sites to phishing links. Staying alert and double-checking offers can help protect your money and data. Here are some common online scams that you must know about.

Edited By: Divya| Published By: Divya| Published: Feb 10, 2026, 11:37 PM (IST)

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Fake Gift Websites

Too-good-to-be-true deals on flowers, chocolates, or gadgets often lead to fake websites. Always check reviews and avoid paying through unknown links.

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Romance Scams

Be cautious if someone you recently met online starts asking for money, gifts, or urgent financial help. Emotional pressure is a common tactic.

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Phishing Offers

Messages claiming “exclusive Valentine’s deals” may trick you into clicking harmful links that steal your personal or banking information.

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Fake Delivery Alerts

Scammers sometimes send delivery notifications asking for a small payment or verification. Don’t click links unless you’re sure the order is real.

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Social Media Store Frauds

Many scam pages advertise premium gifts at low prices. If a store has no proper contact details or return policy, it’s better to skip it.

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E Card Malware

Unexpected Valentine’s e-cards can carry malicious files. If you don’t recognise the sender, avoid downloading anything.

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Payment Request Tricks

Fraudsters may ask you to pay via QR codes or direct transfers instead of secure payment gateways. Stick to trusted platforms whenever possible.

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What you should do

Stick to trusted websites and payment methods, avoid clicking on unknown links, and never rush into sharing personal or banking details. If something feels suspicious, pause and verify first.