Philippine authorities, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Anti-Scam Centre, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), revealed that more than 5,000 Australians are potential victims of romance scams based in the country.
In a joint media release from the relevant agencies, it was stated that potential victims have already been contacted by authorities to warn them that they may have been targeted by the said modus operandi.
"The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaborating Centre (JPC3), in partnership with the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), has texted the mostly male potential victims urging them not to send money to people they've met online and next steps if they have already sent money," the statement read.
The potential victims were identified following an investigation into a scam compound operating in central Manila in November of last year, where authorities uncovered more than 300 computer towers, 1,000 mobile phones, and thousands of SIM cards.
Furthermore, the investigation led to the arrest of over 250 suspects by law enforcement authorities.
Authorities shared the collected evidence with international law enforcement partners to assist in identifying the victims, including those who may be unaware that they have been targeted.
JPC3 was able to identify the victims through Operation Firestorm, where more than 5,000 Australian-based phone numbers linked to messages found on an end-to-end encryption platform on the devices were uncovered.
The alleged scammers based in the Philippines reportedly use popular online dating apps as part of their modus operandi, luring victims into fake online romantic relationships before persuading them to purchase legitimate cryptocurrency.
The scammers would then request an initial investment ranging from (AUD) $300 to $800, before pressuring the victim to invest more.
They would also manipulate the victim into transferring funds from a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange account to the scammer's account.
Moreover, the victims primarily consisted of men aged 35 and above, with the suspects reportedly posing to be a Filipino woman working in Australia or a local female from the Philippines.
Authorities continue to remind the public that anyone who receives a warning text message should take it seriously and avoid sending money to individuals they've met online.
When it comes to romance scams, authorities have warned the public to protect both their heart and their wallet, urging them to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of such scams to help protect themselves and others in the digital landscape.
