12 February 2026
Don’t let scammers steal your heart this Valentine’s Day
3 min read
This Valentine’s Day, Australians are being warned that scammers are on the hunt not just for hearts, but for bank accounts too.
As people swipe, book and spend in the lead-up to 14 February, scammers are exploiting heightened emotions and the pressure to impress, using fake romantic connections, too-good-to-be-true date night deals and fraudulent getaway offers to lure victims.
A Suncorp Bank spokesperson said romance-related scams surge at this time of year, with criminals deliberately targeting moments of emotional vulnerability.
“Scammers deliberately target times when people are more likely to act on emotion, and Valentine’s Day is just another opportunity for them to capitalise,” the spokesperson said.
“Even on a day centred around love and connection, Australians should remain vigilant and sceptical of any unexpected requests for money.”
“In the past, we’ve heard stories of people being swindled by fake romantic partners, restaurant deals purchased online that aren’t legitimate, and bookings for romantic getaways where couples arrive only to find there’s no reservation.”
Suncorp Bank is encouraging customers to watch out for common scam red flags, including:
Urgency: Scammers create time pressure, such as ‘act now’ or ‘limited-time offers’, to push quick decisions.
Unverified contacts: Legitimate sellers or individuals should be able to be verified through official channels or in person.
Inconsistencies: Errors or mismatched details in email addresses, phone numbers, or websites can be a warning sign.
Requests for banking information: Never share your bank ID, usernames, passwords or one time codes.
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, pause and take the time to check before acting.
Customers who believe they may have been scammed and made a payment through their Suncorp Bank account are urged to contact Suncorp Bank immediately on its publicly listed number 13 11 75.
