Stay Scam-Safe This Valentine’s Day: Tips to avoid seasonal and preorder scams

With Chinese New Year behind us, it’s time to prepare for Valentine’s Day, another peak season for scammers targeting love and generosity. Here’s how to stay vigilant against trending scams, including new Pokémon preorder cautions:

1. Popular Items Scams

• Gadgets & Luxury Goods: Be cautious of unreal discounts on popular gadgets or premium brands these are often fake listings or counterfeit products.
• Collectibles & Pokémon Preorders: Limited-edition collectibles, including Pokémon-related items, are prime targets for scammers pretending to be legitimate sellers. Always verify the authenticity of sellers before placing an order.

2. Food & Drinks Scams

• Valentine’s Gift Boxes: Fraudsters may advertise chocolates, cookies, or health-related gift sets at discounted prices but fail to deliver or sell subpar products.
• Alcohol: Offers for premium wines or spirits for romantic dinners may be counterfeit or nonexistent. Stick to reputable sellers.

3. Preorder Scams

• Pokémon Preorders: Be especially cautious with preorder offers for Pokémon games, cards, or collectibles. Scammers often create fake listings, claim exclusivity, and disappear after receiving payment.
• Desserts & Specialty Cakes: Fraudulent sellers may take payments for Valentine’s treats or gift sets but fail to deliver.
• Health Products: Be wary of offers for wellness or beauty-related items that might be harmful or never delivered.

4. Tickets & Vouchers Scams

• Event Tickets: Fake tickets for romantic dinners or Valentine’s events are common. Only buy from trusted or official platforms.
• Vouchers: Fraudulent dining or cake vouchers offering big discounts may turn out to be invalid.

5. Phishing Scams

Be on the lookout for emails or messages claiming to offer “exclusive Valentine’s deals” or “romantic surprises.” These often lead to fake payment sites or collect personal information.

Tips to Stay Safe

• Verify Sellers: Always check the credibility of sellers or platforms before making any payments.
• Think Twice About Deals: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Secure Payments: Use trusted payment methods and avoid direct bank transfers.
• Stay Alert Online: Ignore unsolicited messages, emails, or links from unknown sources.

This Valentine’s Day, let love and generosity shine—but don’t let scammers take advantage of your trust. Share these tips with your loved ones to ensure everyone stays scam-free!