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❤️💻 Romance Scams & Phishing Emails Spike This Month — Here’s How to Stay Safe Online

2026-02-04 · Chris Coulson

February isn’t just the month of roses, chocolate, and “accidentally” eating the whole box.

It’s also one of the busiest times of the year for romance scams and phishing attacks.

Why?

Because cybercriminals know people are online more, shopping more and hoping for connection more.

It’s the perfect storm for scammers looking to tug on your heartstrings and your wallet.

Let’s talk about what’s really happening—and how you can protect yourself (and your loved ones).

💔 1. Romance Scams Are Up — Here’s How They Hook People

Romance scammers don’t start with red flags. They start with charm.

They often appear on:

• Dating apps
• Social media
• Shopping platforms
• Even friend-of-friend “suggested” profiles
  

How they pull you in:
✔ Attractive photos (often stolen)
✔ Fast-moving emotional connection
✔ Flattery and attention
✔ A story that makes you want to help… emotionally or financially

Common scam lines this month:

• “I want to meet, but I’m stuck overseas.”
• “My phone broke and I can’t video chat.”
• “Can you help me with a small emergency?
• “Let’s move off the app and chat privately.”
• “I’m buying you a gift—just pay the shipping fee.”

If their love language feels like “cash app me,” run.

📧 2. Phishing Emails Are Also on the Rise

Love isn’t the only thing in the air—so are fake emails.

Scammers take advantage of:

• Increased online shopping
• Gift deliveries
• Subscription renewals
• Travel planning
• And the emotional distractions of the season
  

Phishing emails may look like they’re from:
✔ Amazon
✔ UPS / USPS / FedEx
✔ PayPal, Venmo, Zelle
✔ Your bank
✔ A dating app
✔ A “secret admirer”

But clicking the link? That’s when trouble starts.

🛍️ 3. Secure Shopping: Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Valentine’s Gifts

If you're buying gifts online this month (or treating yourself—no judgment), make sure the site is legit.

Keep yourself safe by checking:
✔ The URL starts with https://
✔ There’s a padlock icon in the browser bar
✔ The website isn’t full of blurry photos or typos
✔ Prices aren’t suspiciously low
✔ The seller has verifiable reviews
✔ The site doesn’t pressure you to pay right now

If it looks too good to be true…
it’s probably a scam wearing red and pink.

🧑‍💻 4. How to Spot a Fake Profile (Dating or Otherwise)

Scammers are getting better—but so are the red flags.

🚩 Watch for:

• No real friends or posts on social media
• Model-level photos that appear professionally shot
• Instant love bombing (“You’re my soulmate”)
• No video calls—ever
• Odd grammar, scripted messages, or copy-paste replies
• Stories involving tragedy, travel, or emergencies
• Requests for money, gift cards, or crypto
  

If someone starts the conversation by calling you “dear,” “honey,” or “my love”…
…and you’ve never met them?

That’s Scam 101.

🔐 5. Protect Yourself (And the People You Care About)

Here’s how to stay safe online this month:

✔ Trust your instincts

If something feels off, it is.

✔ Slow down

Scammers want you emotional, rushed, and distracted.

✔ Don’t share personal info

Never send:

• Your full address
• Your banking info
• Your workplace
• Where your kids go to school
• Photos that should stay private
  

✔ Don’t send money

No matter how convincing the story.

✔ Turn on two-factor authentication

Always.

✔ Talk to someone you trust

Scammers rely on silence.
A quick conversation can save you thousands.

❤️‍🛡️ Stay Safe, Stay Smart, Stay Connected

Romance scams and phishing emails may spike this month, but so can awareness.

By slowing down, staying alert, and practicing safe online habits, you can enjoy the best parts of the season—connection, kindness, celebration—without letting cybercriminals crash the party.

If you ever get a suspicious message or email and want a tech pro to take a look, Coulson Technologies is here to help.

We’ll keep your devices (and your heart) safe—no chocolates required.