5 Valentine’s Day Scams New Jersey Daters Are Falling For
A smartphone is displaying the Match dating app, from the American internet and technology company. December 28, 2023.
Valentine’s Day is just a couple of days away, and the love search is running rampant in New Jersey. I know personally two people who are currently looking for love, and Valentine’s Day scams add pressure. A divorced friend of mine shared with me that for them, it’s much more difficult being single around any holiday. There are many ways to find love and show your love, but there are also tons of scams out there preying on those who celebrate the day of love.
James Knight, the education editor at Invezz.com says, “Cybercriminals exploit the vulnerability that comes with the pursuit of love and connection.” Here are some of the Valentine’s Day scams and essential tips to protect yourself from these schemes.
Online Dating Scams
One of the most common things scammers do first is create a fake profile on a dating app or website. They use photos of others and create an impressive profile. Then they build a trusting rapport with their victims. Eventually, they’re cleverly getting the mark to send them money. Watch out for compliments that are followed by a request for personal information or anyone who doesn’t want to meet in person.
Fake Gift Stores
There are tons of online shops with “great deals.” The price is extremely low and looks awesome. As soon as you pay it’s all over. You lose your money and never get that amazing deal. Try to shop with well-known retailers and read reviews. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
E-cards
This is one that most probably wouldn’t think a Valentine’s Day scam. The bad actors use phishing links containing malware. The card is opened, and the bad guys have access to your device. They steal financial information and personal information. Again, make sure you know the source. Don’t click on random links or open an attachment from the unknown.
Phishing Emails
We get these almost every day. Emails that look legit and are very convincing. You log in and then they have your credentials to access the real bank or social media account.
It’s simple to verify the sender’s email address. As a rule, you should never share any personal information through email.
Social Media Scams
Like dating sites, scammers use other social media platforms to create fake profiles, fake ads, or non-existent events related to Valentine’s Day. They trick you into sharing personal information so they can access your financial information. Again, be careful when clicking, and be sure to verify everything.
James says, “From online dating pitfalls to deceptive schemes, cybercriminals continue to exploit the vulnerability that comes with the pursuit of connection and affection.” Proceed with caution!
Celebrate Black History Month With These Inspirational Quotes
Black History Month is a great time to celebrate African American accomplishments and the many contributions Black Americans have made to our country. It’s a good time to reflect on inspirational quotes by iconic figures. Many Black icons have said things so powerfully that they become mantras for generations. Some people feel inspired by these motivational quotes deeply. This often creates a sense of empowerment that can sometimes turn into actions for the good.
Well-known Black leaders in history like Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglas, and Angela Davis have used their words to share thought-provoking ideas that still encourage us today. Many actors, writers, directors, journalists, Black influencers, and more have said things that just move you, too. This includes director Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, and the late Chadwick Boseman.
Celebrate Black History Month With Inspirational Quotes
Many of these quotes highlight how our past shapes where we’re headed. Those uplifting quotes push us to keep moving forward with a clear purpose.
Many Civil Rights leaders knew that social change was necessary. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged his followers by saying, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
Some influential Black people emphasized the necessity of a positive impact with their words. In 2014, Russell Simmons shared on X, “If you wake up deciding what you want to give versus what you’re going to get, you become a more successful person.”
There are even quotes from important figures who inspire us to achieve our dreams. “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you,” said Maya Angelou.
If you’re looking for inspirational quotes to uplift, encourage, inspire, or celebrate Black History Month, then take a look at some below.
Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.
