This week marks Valentine’s Day 2025! As the popularity of this romantic occasion has grown, so too have the cyber risks associated with dating, gift-giving, and online transactions. We have gathered insights from cybersecurity experts who share their thoughts on Valentine’s Day scams—from the threats facing love-struck consumers to the best practices for staying safe in the digital age.
Rebecca Moody, Head of Data Research at Comparitech:
“If you do meet someone online, even if it seems like a natural occurrence (i.e. some scammers befriend people on apps like Words with Friends), look out for these key warning signs that they may be a scammer:
They ask you to move away from a dating website to communicate. For example, they may request that you chat with them through Google Hangouts, WhatsApp, or private email.
They ask a lot of questions about you but don’t give much away about themselves.
They say they’re in the military abroad, they work abroad (i.e. on an oil rig), or they’re helping out abroad (i.e. at an orphanage). They may also say they’re a highly qualified professional, i.e. a scientist or doctor who’s working abroad.
They have poor spelling or grammar yet claim to be highly educated.
They seem to move the relationship quickly, declaring their love or telling you that they’ve never felt this way before.
They say they want to meet up but find numerous excuses not to, i.e. working abroad, canceling flights, or having financial troubles.
They ask for money. Even if it is only for a small a ..
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