The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has alerted the public, particularly those seeking love this Valentine's season, to stay vigilant against online love scams.
According to ACG Spokesperson PLt. Wallen Arancillo, the unit remains vigilant in monitoring love scam incidents, which often occur through the internet or social media platforms.
In 2024, the unit logged 72 love scam cases, while 8 new complaints have been filed this year.
Arancillo pointed out that this is a significant increase compared to the seven cases recorded from January to just before Valentine's Day last year.
"Paalala po ng PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group na maging maingat po tayo sa mga nakakausap po natin sa mga social media platforms and also po kung maaari bumalik tayo sa mga traditional na ways of panliligaw," said Arancillo.
"Magpaligaw po tayo sa personal nang sa gayon ay maiwasan nating mabiktima ng love scam," she added.
Scammers typically target individuals they meet on dating apps, where they pose as retired soldiers abroad. However, their broken English often reveals that they are, in fact, Filipino scammers.
Their modus operandi involves sending a package to their target, but the recipient is required to pay a delivery fee or customs fee before receiving it.
Based on records, the largest amount stolen by a love scammer from a victim last year was P600,000.
