Internet scammers are waiting to pounce on unsuspecting lovestruck individuals this Valentines Day, as people turn to the internet to plan for the big day.

This is according to security software firm Check Point SA’s sales manager Doros Hadjizenonos.

But the expert has highlighted three tips that users could use to help protect themselves from these scammers.

1. Valentine’s Day card scams:

Secret admirers who send you flowers or chocolates are flattering. But be warned, Hadjizenonos says that cybercriminals could pretend to flatter you to steal your personal information.

“With electronic Valentine’s Day cards, cybercriminals are hoping you’ll be curious enough to wonder who sent it to you,” says Hadjizenonos.

“Unfortunately, clicking on an unknown link within the email could direct you to a phishing site designed to steal your personal information. Also, opening or unzipping any attached files could distribute malware onto your PC,” adds Hadjizenonos.

To protect yourself from this potential danger, Hadjizenonos advises that you avoid electronic cards completely.

“Even if the electronic card was sent from someone you know, it may be in your best interest to personally inquire with the sender in the event their email account was compromised,” says Hadjizenonos.

2. Fake or phishing online stores:

Economic times in African nations such as South Africa are tough with rising interest rates and a weak rand. When searching for discounts for your big date, you may then turn on your computer and open up Google.

But Hadjizenonos warns that cybercriminals are “poisoning search results” to improve the ranking of malicious websites.

“During Valentine’s Day, cybercriminals create malicious sites masked as restaurant discounts, flowers deals, or romantic getaways,” says Hadjizenonos.

“When an unsuspecting person lands on the malicious site, their PC could be hit by malware, or they could be tricked into revealing personal information, which could lead to identity theft,” adds Hadjizenonos.

Hadjizenonos; then, advises that users should rather visit a reputable company’s website directly instead of entering keywords into search engines

“You can also consider installing tools, such as MyWOT to get a better idea of a website’s reputation,” says Hadjizenonos.

3. Phony online dating profiles:

Lonely hearts looking for love on online dating websites have to be wary of digital pretenders, says Hadjizenonos.

Hadjizenonos warns that cybercriminals may use images of attractive people to lure members to their profile.

“After receiving messages from other members, they’ll respond with a link to a malicious or inappropriate site,” says Hadjizenonos.

“Though not 100% foolproof, one way you can help check the validity of a picture in someone’s profile is to simply right-click on the image and select ‘Search Google for this image’,” says Hadjizenonos.

A list of pages that include matching images could then help you determine whether the profile is fake or not. You will have to download the Google Chrome web browser to use this functionality, notes Hadjizenonos.