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

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and if you’re like many Americans, you’re planning on purchasing flowers, candy, or perhaps you’re planning spoiling a loved one with a special night out to a restaurant or other experience.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), a person celebrating Valentine’s Day this year will spend an average of $146.84 this year (up from $142.31 last year) with total spending expected to reach $19.7 billion, a survey high.

So whether you’re planning a purchase, or are simply looking to meet someone special, BBB offers the following tips.

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 weren’t delivered as promised (wrong flowers or arrangements); flowers were delivered in poor condition, or not delivered at all. Before ordering an arrangement, check with 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 businesses’ refund policy if delivered late, in poor condition, or if it doesn’t arrive at all. 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. If ordering online be sure you know the florist’s actual street address and phone number – and confirm it is located where it says it is.

Jewelers – In 2015, BBB received 2,909 complaints against jewelry stores and reported over 733,841 inquiries from consumers searching for trustworthy jewelers on bbb.org. NRF reports $4.4 billion will be spent on jewelry this year, with nearly one in five planning to make a special purchase.

· BBB Tip: Research the jewelry store or jeweler and the type of jewelry piece before making a purchase. Knowing more about the industry will help ensure your venture to be successful. Be sure to always ask for the store’s refund and return policy before you buy.

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.

The BBB Serving Wisconsin also warns consumers to be wary of romance scams and 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 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.

To check on a company or charity, or file a complaint visit our website.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses by using our Accredited Business Directory.

To report a scam, visit BBB Scam Tracker.

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