Warning: Top Valentine’s Day Scams

Some people are looking for love, and some are so desperate for love that they'll do anything for it.

It’s Valentine's Day, so here’s a heads up of several warnings from the Federal Trade Commission with its list that shares some very unloving things to look out for today.

We get it. It’s Valentine’s Day and many people don’t want to be alone, or they just want to be able to say that they have someone to help fight their loneliness. However, some folks become so desperate, wanting or needing someone so badly, that they lose sight of the possibility that someone may be using them or trying to con them. When this happens they’ll do just about anything, and rationalize otherwise obvious red flags in order to keep the fake relationship real in their minds.

The agency has revealed the most common romance-related scams designed to swindle people out of their hard-earned money by tugging on their heartstrings. The scammers romance their marks, then shake them down for cash using several different types of excuses to get their money.

The most commonly reported scam was to have a “newfound love" convince their “new love” that they need money because a loved one was sick, hurt, or in jail. 24% of potential victims reported this scam.

At 18%, there was a three-way tie for the second-most-common scam. Scammers offer their "love" the chance to score on an investment. The scammer pretends they’re in the military far away, and they try to convince their target that they need money to make a delivery or send them something.

The FTC says 12% of consumers reported people asking for money after proposing or talking about marriage, even though they never actually met them.

Then there’s “sextortion” which is something that’s becoming a more and more common and growing threat. This is when a scammer manages to get a person to send an explicit photo of themself and then threaten to publicize it unless they send them a large sum of money. Sometimes the threat continues even after the money is sent and received. The FTC says reports of this kind of scam have increased more than eight times in the past few years, with victims between the ages of 18 and 29 six times more likely to be targeted compared to older victims.

The report states that romance-related scams fooled over 70,000 consumers for more than $1.3 billion last year.

Here in the Garden State, we have such a rich and diverse culture, that we get to experience authentic and delicious food from around the world.

That other states may not be able to fully experience. Though one may run into the issue and let me clarify. It's a good issue to have too many choices.

So to help you experience food to the fullest, maybe even give you some ideas for a nice dinner with family, friends, or even just yourself. We look at Yelp and put together the best restaurants in each town right here in Middlesex County.

So whether you're feeling hungry for Italian or maybe even Oriental. You know the places that made it on our list. Are they considered the very best by their local communities?

It's casual, it's family-operated and it's right here in Middlesex. Jozanna's according to the reviews will have you filled up with just the bread and olive oil with roasted garlic because it's so delicious. It's the little slice of Italy that you don't have to get on a plane for. To see why they put the A in family Click Here.

Here in New Jersey, it doesn't matter if you call it a sub, hoagie, or hero. They rock all the same and Harold's New York Deli brings the delicious taste of NY in an upbeat and local Jersey environment. Generous portion sizes, quick wait times, and food you don't see at your average deli like Potato Knish. See their full menu by Clicking Here.

Hot diggity dog! Bringing one of America's favorite barbeque food into a bar setting. Makes perfect sense to me and it's why a lot of people made their destination for a fun weekend Destination Dogs. To see why even at 2 am this place is rocking, check out their menu Here

I may not be a spice person, but I can take the heat. And according to Woodbridge Jose Tejas is packing it. With a menu full of Mexican, Cajun, Creole, and Traditional American. This really is a one-stop shop for hungry visitor. See all the positive vibes on their Website

Did someone say giant pizza? Sign me up! Guests, who visit this pizza shop are warmly welcomed and leave satisfied who could want more? Well how about wine, because according to some you can bring your own! See their menu and why barstool sports gave them a positive review by Clicking Here

We aren't done with pizza just yet! What can you expect when you visit Nunzio's Kitchen? Well, traditional Italian with a new school twist. According to the public, you can't go wrong with anything on their robust menu. Which you can see by Clicking Here

If you are looking for a splash of Vietnamese cuisine, well then you may just want to head on over to Piscataway to check out Pho Today. I've never eaten Vietnamese, but now I want to after checking out their menu. I can have Pho today and tomorrow and maybe even the next day. Pho REAL check out their Website

If you're looking for breakfast or even brunch then Rico Taco Mex has you covered in all departments as reviews say the food is full of flavor. I might not be the mayor of flavor town, but I know some good food when I see it. To see their menu to get the full experience Click Here

Don't worry if Perth Amboy is out of the way you can just head on over to Taqueria Maria's! Where the spice levels are said to be just perfect. They keep the price fair and the quality high says some of the reviews so Click Here to see their Website for all the info.

I love Ramen and I know a thing or two since I was fortunate enough to go to Japan to have it for myself. Rai Rai is one of the best ramen places on this side of the state! Their food is affordable and will have you picking up the bowl to get the scrapes. To see why it's one of my go too. See their Yelp page for more info.

Heirloom is offering a special dining experience cause not only will they feed you. They will also teach you how to cook. Their cooking classes have been described as fun and upscale. To make sure your name is on the attendance sheet click on their Website.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But looking at these creative and delicious looking dishes. It makes me feel like I can eat it any time of day. Some are especially loving their lavender haze lattes. See why their mornings are filled with  fun on their Website.

If you've never tried middle eastern or Mediterranean. Than this is the perfect place to get started says the reviewers of House of Falafel. From Lamb to Shawarma, the staff offer a memorable and affordable experience to all. See more detail by Clicking Here

Now I've never had Greek until a few of months ago, when they put potato on a fresh burger. Which I had doubts about until I tried it. Ever since then I've been looking more into Greek restaurants and this gem is now on my list to visit. The whole menu sounds to die for. So if you're a fan of Greek cooking see why they became the top pick for Carteret on their Website.

We're heading back to the classic diner for our next location in South Brunswick. Dayton's offers a nostalgic experience for the hungry customer. With some of the best reviews mention that classic 50's and 60's vibe how could you pass up at least checking it out?

For next after Ramen comes sushi! Sadly for me this location is a bit out of my way, but worth it all the same. As they offer a wide variety of amazing authentic sushi and sashimi. You can see all the details by Clicking Here.

While I have never had Portuguese styled food before, I am a big time fish lover and seeing their fried calamari made me hungry while typing. Though even if you don't like fish they have plenty to offer on top of a great experience and friendly customer service. See what they can offer you on by Clicking Here.

Bringing it back to the Greek side of things, the local community chose Pithari Taverna, their food is described as the most authentic and hearty in the area by those who visit. Now you've peeked my interest my good yelp reviewer. When looking at their menu and portions hearty is right! See what all the type is about by Clicking Here

Now we are talking! I could eat burgers for breakfast, lunch, dinner and second dinner! So I'm happy to see a burger joint make it on the list. Though looking at their massive menu, they've turned burgers into an art, some with kick and some that may look to good to eat. See why Jamesburg gave them four and a half out of five stars by checking out their Website

We're coming back to Italian and this place is a just as the name suggests a real touch of Italy. Offering a blend of upscale and casual. Reviews say you can not only bring your own beer, but the portions are huge and the staff make you feel like you're home. To see why they were one of Yelp's top 100 last year a touch of Italy to the Garden State Click Here.

Seafood is one of my favorite types of food as you can combine it with so much. You'd think it be expensive but reviews say prices are fair and quality is great. Click Here for their website

Rice is another one of my top dishes as it is so versatile. That's why I'm happy to see a place dedicated to all things rice. Their specialty is Thai and you can see what earned them their spot by Clicking Here.

Covering all our bases we have another great continental place and it's a hope skip and jump away from me. With nearly five star reviews I'll be checking this place out for sure! For more information see their Website

Now this is what I'm talking about that fusion between Greek and American is honestly to die for. So if I'd recommend any of the Greek locations on this list, it be all of them of course! But this one is my personal favorite. See what they have to offer by Clicking Here.

Ending where we begun is another amazing Italian restaurant. The reviews say Villa Borghese is a friendly and overall fun environment. See their website by Clicking Here.