Cupid’s Con: Cybercriminals Are Phishing for Your Heart

Roses are red, violets are blue, if they ask for money, they’re scamming you!

There is surge in cyber scams targeting hopeless romantics, proving that not all love stories have happy endings.

Key Findings

· 18,000+ new romance-related websites appeared in January 2025, a 5% increase from the previous month.

· 1 in 72 newly registered websites were flagged as malicious or risky.

· 123% spike in romance-related website registrations, because cybercriminals know love is in the air—and so is phishing.

Flirting or Phishing? The Valentine’s Day Scam Playbook

Cybercriminals are swiping right on your emotions and left on your bank account.

How do they bait their hooks?

· Fake Valentine’s Day Promotions: Emails or ads promising “exclusive” deals on flowers, jewelry, and gifts often contain malicious links that steal your payment info.

· Phony Love Letters & E-Cards: Messages posing as heartfelt notes redirect you to phishing websites that compromise your data.

· “Secret Admirer” Messages: These deceptive emails claim someone has a crush on you and ask you to click a link leading straight to malware installation.

· Too-Good-to-Be-True Giveaways: Scammers impersonate popular brands and offer free luxury gifts or romantic getaways, tricking victims into providing personal information or payment details.

· Dating App Scams: Fraudulent profiles lure users into moving conversations off-platform, where they attempt to extract money, personal details, or financial access.

Real-World Example: The Valentine’s Day Gift Scam

Recently, cybercriminals launched a campaign impersonating well-known retailers like Costco, 1-800-Flowers, and Walmart. Victims received emails claiming they had won a luxurious Valentine’s Day gift basket. To claim it, they had to enter their personal and credit card information leading to identity theft and financial loss.

How to Avoid Heartbreak (and Data Breach)

· Don’t take the bait – If an email promises an extravagant prize, it’s probably a scam.

· Report & delete – Phishing emails belong in the trash, not your inbox.

· Keep your credentials close – Never enter your login info on sketchy sites.

· Verify before you buy – Instead of clicking promo links, visit retailers directly.

· Too good to be true? It is! – That 80% off diamond necklace? It’s a scam.

· Be cautious with online romance – If a new online love interest quickly asks for money, gift cards, or sensitive information, it’s likely a scam.

Cyber Love: Proceed with Caution

Love may be blind, but your security shouldn’t be. Romance scams are playing heartstrings (and wallets), but knowledge is your best defense.

This season, fall for love, not for phishing scams!

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