BBB Offers Tips for Hearts and Wallets this Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and whether consumers are planning on buying flowers or a piece of jewelry, or simply looking to meet someone special, BBB offers the following tips to have a sweet Valentine’s Day.

Florists – Valentine’s Day is a busy holiday for florists. Unfortunately, not all florists are created equal. In 2015, BBB received 3,908 complaints against florists regarding flowers that were not delivered as promised (wrong flowers or arrangements), the flowers were delivered in poor condition, or they were not delivered at all. Before ordering an arrangement, check out trustworthy florists at bbb.org.

• BBB Tip: When you place your flower order, whether in-store or through an online shop, be sure you allow enough time for shipping and verify with the florist that the date and time is guaranteed. Obtain a receipt for the order and ask about the business’s refund policy if the delivery is late, never arrives or is in bad condition. Confirm that the florist you contact is actually the florist fulfilling the order too. At this time of year it’s not uncommon for a third party to be involved. Be sure you know the florist’s actual street address and phone number in case you need to adjust your order.

Jewelers – In 2015, BBB received 2,909 complaints against jewelry shops and reported over 733,841 inquiries from consumers searching for trustworthy jewelers on bbb.org. The National Retail Federation (NRF) also stated that last year, consumers were expected to spend $4.8 billion on jewelry sales. BBB recommends consumers check out BBB Accredited jewelry stores to find a trustworthy store before they shop.

• BBB Tip: Research the jewelry shop or jeweler and the type of jewelry piece before making a purchase. Knowing more about the industry will help ensure that your venture will be successful. Check the jewelry store’s reputation with friends and family who are familiar with the store. Finally, be sure to always ask for the store’s refund and return policy before you buy.

Gift Cards – The gift that keeps on giving will also be on the top of Valentine shoppers’ lists with 15 percent expected to buy gift cards for their loved ones, totaling to $1.5 billion.

• BBB Tip: If the card is scratched or damaged it is virtually useless. To be certain your card will carry its full value, purchase cards that have no value until the store clerk loads on your amount. If a gift card is displayed on a public rack where anyone can reach it – be aware that scammers can sometimes gain access to such a card before you buy it, and once purchased, the scammer may be able to use the card’s value before you are able redeem it. Check to be sure that the protective stickers have not been removed and that the unique PIN number located on the back of the card is not exposed. Report any damaged cards to the store selling the cards.

E-mails and E-Cards – Cyber-crooks use this time of year to trick consumers into divulging personal and financial information through false alerts from fake greeting card websites, or through email messages stating there was a problem with the consumer’s gift order or credit card. These messages may actually download computer viruses to steal personal information.

• BBB Tip: Only open emails, attachments, and links from people you know. Enhance email filters to block any such threats. Watch out for unsolicited emails with subject lines such as, “Someone just sent you an e-card” or “Send your loved one a Valentine’s Day card today.” If you ordered flowers and receive an email indicating a problem, contact the florist directly to ensure the email is legitimate – chances are it is not.

If love is in the air, be wary of scammers devoted to “catfishing” unsuspecting singles. These con artists often break hearts through dating apps and websites. BBB warns of anyone who:

Asks to talk or chat on an outside email or messaging service. Oftentimes, this allows fraudsters to carry out scams without the dating site having a record of the encounter. Remember that scammers play on emotion… and romance is certainly a strong emotion. Any time people are vulnerable, scammers will find opportunity.

Claims to be from this country but is currently traveling, living or working abroad. Scammers come up with all kinds of excuses why they can’t meet in person just yet. Be cautious of online daters who claim to be called away suddenly, or to be in the military and living overseas.

Asks you for money or credit card information. In some cases the scammer will claim an emergency like a sick relative or stolen wallet, and will ask you to wire money. The first wire transfer is small but the requests keep coming and growing. Or they may ask for airfare to come for a visit. The payback promises are empty; the money is gone, and so are they.

Sends you emails containing questionable links to third-party websites. Third-party links can contain malware that’s designed to steal personal information off your computer. Scammers may use third party links that look credible, but in reality, they only link to viruses that can lead to identity theft.

For more information you can trust, check out our infographic and visit us at bbb.org/boston or like us on Facebook.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses and brands they can trust. In 2015, consumers turned to BBB more than 161 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 5.3 million businesses, all available for free at bbb.org. BBB Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont, founded in 1912, is one of 113 local, independent BBBs across North America.

Paula Fleming is VP of Communications & Marketing for Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT. Find Paula on Google+.