Don’t Let Scammers Break Your Heart

Smart Digital Banking Habits to Practice Year-Round

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and with it comes messages, gifts, surprises, and showing people you care. 

Unfortunately, it’s also a favorite time of year for scammers. 

When emotions are high and activity picks up online, fraudsters see opportunity. Fake delivery notices, too-good-to-be-true deals, and convincing messages pretending to be from trusted companies tend to spike this time of year. 

The good news? A few smart digital banking habits can help you protect your money — not just on Valentine’s Day, but all year long. 

Common Valentine’s Day Scams to Watch For 

Scammers often rely on urgency, emotion, or distraction. Around Valentine’s Day, that can look like: 

• Fake gift or flower delivery texts asking you to “confirm” details 
• Romance scams that start with conversation and escalate to money requests 
• Phony account alerts urging you to click a link to “secure” your account 
• Unreal online deals promoted through social media ads or emails 

If a message pressures you to act quickly or share personal information, that’s your cue to pause. 

Love Your Money Enough to Protect It 

Keeping your accounts secure doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of these as simple habits that show your money a little care: 

• Use strong, unique passwords for your banking apps and accounts 
  (And avoid using names, birthdays, or anniversaries.) 
• Turn on multi-factor authentication whenever it’s available 
• Monitor your accounts regularly through online and mobile banking 
• Set up account alerts for purchases, transfers, and logins 
• Keep your devices and apps updated to ensure you have the latest security protections 

These small steps can make a big difference — especially during high-traffic shopping seasons like Valentine’s Day. 

Watch for Red Flags  

Some warning signs are always a dealbreaker: 

• Messages asking for your login credentials
• Links or attachments you weren’t expecting
• Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency 
• Emails or texts that don’t address you by name 
• Pressure to act immediately “or else” 

Always remember, real banks won’t ask for your passwords or sensitive information through email or text. Ever. 

If Something Feels Off, Trust Your Instincts 

Fraud can happen to anyone. Even people who are careful and experienced. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. 

Log in to your account directly (not through a link), review your activity, and reach out to your bank right away. A quick conversation can help stop an issue before it becomes something bigger. 

And when it doubt, give us a call. We’re here 24/7 to help you navigate red flags and protect what matters.  

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.