Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year to show people you care about them by sending flowers or E-cards, two ways that could lead to heartache and financial loss.
Most people don’t even think twice about where they buy their flowers from or about clicking on a link to see a “potential sweethearts” e-card. But before you smell the stench of a Valentine’s Day turned sour, think twice and know you who are dealing with. That is why the BBB would like to remind you about some common pitfalls when ordering flowers online and to tell you about a malicious Valentine’s Day scam!
Each year, BBB receives numerous reports from consumers that show a pattern of complaints alleging non-delivery or late delivery of flowers and extra charges on credit cards.
“Before you hand over your credit card information to just any florist, make sure you know with whom you are dealing,” says Lynda Pasacreta, President and CEO for the BBB serving Mainland BC.
Here are some smart shopping tips to help you buy flowers:
- Start with the BBB. Call and speak to the company - see how they treat you and find out their physical address. Check out the company’s BBB rating at www.mbc.bbb.org.
- Stay local. You can avoid delivery problems by ordering flowers from a store that is in your city or in the city where the flowers are being sent.
- Shop Smart. Variety is the spice of life. Roses are traditional, but can be pricey. Flowers that have bright garden-like colours in combination with roses are also popular with ladies.
- Get Bonus Points - Presentation is the key. Think about hand-delivering the flowers for that personal touch.
BBB has also learnt that spam emails are being sent out with a malicious virus which can allow spammers to take control of your computer and uses it to spam others in your contact lists.
There is a rash of malware-infected emails being sent to inboxes across the country using the SUBJECT LINE: "Send your loved one a Valentine's Day card today" to other subjects like, "Activator for love chemistry" and "Become a god of love."
The emails direct recipients to click on a link to receive their E-cards. Once the user clicks the link, a virus is automatically downloaded and invades their computer, exposing the person and their email contact book to potential identity theft and financial loss.
"Make sure you only open emails, attachments and links from people you know. Enhance your email filters to block any such threats," says Pasacreta.
This Valentine’s Day be careful about opening the next secret e-admirer email, and do some homework about the florist you choose. In the end, you’ll have a better chance of keeping your Valentine’s sweet!