Avoid heartbreak this Valentine’s Day

It’s the season for racing pulses and rising emotions, and the county’s Department of Consumer Affairs wants you to experience those symptoms in only the best of ways.

“But too often, scammers ruin what’s supposed to be a romantic holiday for vulnerable people,” says the department’s acting director Rigo Reyes, who warns that while it’s wonderful to open your heart, you should maintain a close grip on your wallet.

Here’s his department’s advice to consumers who don’t want to be lovelorn this Valentine’s Day:

Don’t click in haste when it comes to Internet matchmakers

Dating web sites are increasingly popular, but Reyes warns consumers to research their dating services and keep a tight rein on their identities. There is little in the law to prevent a service from delivering frogs when they’ve promised princes. “We had one lady, a senior, who ended up paying $35,000 to sign up for a dating service that didn’t pan out,” he says. “We tell consumers to be very careful, especially if you’re being charged large sums of money. California law gives you three days to cancel a contract, but often these companies string people along until the grace period has expired and it’s too late.”

Beware of solicitations from online sweethearts

Often, they’re a tip-off to a common form of fraud. “Generally the way these work is, someone contacts you and you make a connection, and you think you’re hitting it off,” Reyes says. “But then they ask for money, maybe for a plane ticket to come visit you, or they say they’ve had a health emergency and need financial help to get through it.” That kind of mooching isn’t a sign of true love. Once they get your money, they’ll be gone, he warns, “and the victim is left with a broken heart and a broken bank account.”

Don’t be suckered by email requests for your information

Valentine’s Day is a prime time for phishing scams, Reyes says. “The scammer sends you a phony email offering some relationship, or maybe offering to deliver flowers or candy to someone, and then they ask you to complete the transaction by entering your credit card information and personal details,” says Reyes. “Then they steal your identity.” Delete suspicious email. And if someone does manage to steal your identity, contact the Department of Consumer Affairs at (213) 974-9459. Their identity theft experts will help you resolve any charges the thief makes, stop new accounts from being opened in your name and fix your credit report, for free.

Don’t open e-valentines from strangers

Sad, isn’t it? But one of the more common scams involves booby-trapping electronic greeting cards with spyware and viruses. “You open the card, and it asks you to click on something inside, and then that sends you to a site that often asks you to download software,” says Reyes. Often the name sounds like a legitimate web site. “We had one where consumers were sent to something called ‘American Greetings’ or something,” says Reyes. “But all they’re doing while you click is installing something on your computer that’s going to cause you trouble later.” Fortunately, there are ways to thwart e-scammers. For a primer from Consumer Reports, click here.   

Shop around if you’re planning to give jewelry and get an appraisal

Valentine’s Day is a big season for gold and diamonds, and Reyes says that every year, his department hears from consumers who were overcharged either in person or online for carats and quality. “It’s very difficult for consumers to resolve these complaints because the receipts often don’t reflect what they were verbally told by the salespeople,” says Reyes. So take time to do your homework, and consult an independent appraiser. “If you’re buying a $5,000 diamond, it’s good to invest a couple hundred bucks up front to make sure you get what you pay for, especially online.”

And if you find true love after all, the county can help you say, “I do”

Of course, some days are simply meant for romance. And if you manage to navigate the pitfalls, the county will be happy to help happy couples get hitched for Valentine’s Day. The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office will be issuing marriage licenses and performing same-day ceremonies on February 14 at its seven offices conveniently located around the county, no appointment necessary. (Added bonus: You’ll never forget your anniversary.) Click here for more details.

Posted 2/9/11