LOVE IS IN THE AIR
...BUT SCAMS ARE TOO
thFebruary 14 isright around the
corner & BBB o�erstips to avoid
scams while stillhaving a sweetValentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is a busy time for florists, jewelers, restaurants, shops anddating services. Unfortunately, not all shops and services are created equal, andBBB recommends consumers check out a business before making a purchase.
If love is in the air, BBB warns unsuspecting singles of catfishing con artists whooften break hearts through dating apps and websites.
Check out the following tips and statistics in order to avoid scams and havea sweet Valentine’s Day.
FLORISTS
RESTAURANTS
JEWELERS
ONLINE SHOPPING
DATING SERVICES3,908 COMPLAINTS113,907 INQUIRIES
2,909 COMPLAINTS733,841 INQUIRIES
2,260 COMPLAINTS202,182 INQUIRIES
4,664 COMPLAINTS376,872 INQUIRIES
10,439 COMPLAINTS1,366,661 INQUIRIES
VALENTINE’S DAY BY THE NUMBERS
VALENTINE’S DAY SCAMS TO AVOID
Catfish noun cat fish: A person who sets up a false personal profile on asocial networking site for fraudulent or deceptive purposes.
BE WARY OF:
Anyone who quickly asks tochat through emailing, texting
or calling. The longer catfishersare on a dating site, the morelikely they are to get caught.
Anyone who claims to livefar away, be stationed overseas
or working out of town foran extended period of time withexcuses not to meet in person.
Anyone who hints at financialtrouble or claims an emergency.They’ll ask for money through awire transfer or airfare, but the
money is gone and so are they.
Source: Council of Better Business Bureaus | 01/01/2015-12/31/2015
INQUIRIES BY CONSUMERS AT BBB.ORGCOMPLAINTS BY CUSTOMERS AT BBB.ORG
Better Business Bureau Serving E. MA, ME, RI & VT
