Don't Be a Valentine Victim

This is the big night for romance. But keep your guard up, especially when you're looking for love or flowers.

The Better Business Bureau has reported a 98 percent increase in the number of individuals from northern Illinois seeking information on matchmaking services — that's 5,358 inquiries in 2010 compared to 2,696 the year before.

"With matchmaking contracts, it's important to know exactly what you're getting into and what the service offers," said Steve J. Bernas, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving northern Illinois.

"Be sure to read all agreements, guarantees, and instructions before signing, and be wary of vaguely worded provisions, exclusions or limitations which could pose a problem later," Bernas said.

And when the lovelorn start poking around the Internet for a mate, things can get even dicier. According to the Better Business Bureau, those searching online for companionship most often complained about their dissatisfaction with the number of arranged dates, lack of quality of the dating pool, and poor customer service.

To avoid a bad experience, the Better Business Bureau recommends doing your homework, resisting high-pressure sales tactics, and knowing the terms of your contract.

But even if you have a special someone, you're still not out of the woods on Valentine's Day.

The Better Business Bureau reported 2010 complains about florists were up 61 percent in 2010 compared to 2009.

"When buying flowers, consumers should be careful, especially when making the purchase online or over the phone," Bernas said. "Consumers need to review the description of the floral arrangement or any other gift you are purchasing on the Website or in your conversation with the florist or sales person."

Pay careful attention to the options offered, the Better Business Bureau advised, particularly to such choices as size of the arrangement, color of the flowers, color of the vase, and manner of delivery, and whether additional charges might apply.

Also, while you think you're ordering from a local florist, you may actually be on the phone with someone hundreds or thousands of miles away, the bureau noted.

"Another important point is to make sure that your order is clear and detailed," Bernas said. "Review the guarantee on the site or with the salesperson. This will help alleviate your concerns about quality or delivery."

Before ordering flowers, chocolates or any other gifts for Valentine's Day, or signing up with a dating service, check out the company's business review at www.bbb.org.

A quick visit to the Better Business Bureau's Website might head off some heartache on Valentine's Day.