A Valentine’s Day Warning About Heartbreaker Hackers

February 14th is the International Day of Love—or so it’s celebrated in most countries worldwide. Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, whether with your current partner or while searching for that great love that hasn’t yet arrived. Love has no expiration date, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted—it must be celebrated.

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The problem is that while celebrating is terrific, many malicious hackers and cybercriminals take advantage of our heightened emotions and vulnerability (as Avast Free Antivirus aptly reminds us) to infiltrate our computers and systems to steal information, scam us, or extort money.

In today’s article, we’ll explain the dangers posed by hackers on February 14th, so take note and stay vigilant. With this guide, you’ll be able to navigate Valentine’s Day safely. Love, however, we can’t guarantee.

Romance Scams: A Serious Issue That Peaks on Valentine’s Day

As you know, online dating has become a common way to meet people (in other words, potential partners). According to studies, 30% of American adults say they have used a dating site or app at some point. That 30% translates to roughly 60 million people—more than the population of many countries.

According to the FTC, romance scams reached record highs in 2022, with losses exceeding $1.3 billion among U.S. citizens. That’s an enormous amount of money. But don’t be fooled—these scams range from people losing $5 or $10 to thousands of dollars.

Nearly 70,000 people reported being scammed in that single year. This staggering figure highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive measures to protect against digital heartbreak.

Social Engineering and “Borrowed Money”: Hackers’ Valentine’s Day Tactics

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning for this Valentine’s Day: beware of romance scams.

When there’s money to be made, criminals will find ways to exploit any situation. Given that Valentine’s Day is one of the year’s most prominent celebrations, scammers, fraudsters, and criminals of all kinds come out of the woodwork with new tricks.

“CISA reminds users to be wary of online romance scams,” the agency states. “At first, cybercriminals lure victims with the promise of romance, adopting an alias to appear as a potential partner. Once your heart is hooked on hope, they flip the script,” they explain metaphorically.

“The scammer, using a fake identity, will ask for money—often promising false marriage, for instance,” they add. These requests often include excuses like buying plane tickets or leaving a country.

Many of these scams succeed due to social engineering carried out via social media. As always, caution is advised when sharing information online, and personal details should not be posted publicly.

How to Avoid Valentine’s Day Dangers

First and foremost, to stay protected while browsing the internet, always ensure you have good antivirus software installed on your computer and other devices at home. Why? Because it’s the most effective tool against cyberattacks and threats.

In this regard, our recommendation is Avast Free Antivirus —an antivirus that helps defend against cyber criminals, ensuring your online love story doesn’t turn into a digital tragedy.

In addition to using tools like Avast Free Antivirus, which helps protect your devices against cyber threats, your online privacy, and more, here are other tips to consider when seeking connection during this sensitive time for love:

• Use Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security is essential in 2025. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts to make it harder for cybercriminals to steal your data or break your heart.
  
• Report Suspicious Behavior: It might feel awkward or unnecessary, but it’s crucial to report any suspicious activity (Avast Free Antivirus has a portal for reporting scams) to the platform or the authorities.
  
• Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Keep yourself updated on the latest romance scam tactics and techniques—just like you’re doing now.
  
• Use Antivirus Software: Having a tool to keep you safe from hacker scams is vital. This is where Avast Free Antivirus software comes in, acting as your trusted shield against digital heartbreak.
  

With these tips, you should be able to enjoy a peaceful Valentine’s Day this year—a day to celebrate love or seek it out, depending on where you are in life.

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Stay alert, don’t trust unknown contacts, and never lend money to anyone. And, of course, install antivirus software on your devices to keep yourself secure all year round—including Valentine’s Day.