Do not fall for these love scams this Valentine’s month

As Valentine’s Day approaches, some people may feel eager—or even desperate—to finally find “the one.” Authorities, however, warn that while falling in love is fine, falling for love scams can break more than just hearts—it can drain wallets, too.

According to Joseph Morong’s report on “24 Oras” Monday, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) identified six common types of love scammers targeting Filipinos.

Sad boy, sad girl
These scammers prey on sympathy by sharing sob stories to gain pity, ultimately asking for money.

Seducer
Often using “too good to be true” profile photos—usually stolen from others—these scammers lure victims into sending intimate photos, which are later used for blackmail.

Investor
These scammers charm victims into investing in forex or cryptocurrency schemes. They are often attractive foreigners who flaunt photos of a luxurious lifestyle.

The servicemen
Posing as foreign military or uniformed personnel, they claim to be looking for a lifelong partner, usually targeting middle-aged women. Their real aim, however, is money.

Escort
These scammers ask for payment before meeting in person and often send provocative or nude photos to entice victims.

Slow burn
These scammers build trust over time, acting like a genuine partner but repeatedly making excuses to avoid meeting. Once they ask for and receive money, they disappear.

Scamwatch co-founder Jocel de Guzman warned that so-called “slow burn” love scams often rely on emotional bonding and repeated excuses to avoid meeting in person before eventually asking for money and disappearing.

“Ang catch nito, ang daming dahilan kung bakit hindi sila nagkikita. Pero gumawa na sila ng typical habit ng magka-relasyon," he said. 

(The catch is they keep making excuses not to meet in person, yet they already act like a real couple.)

"After a month or two, nagpaplano na kayo magkita, uutangan ka na. Mawawala na kapag nagbigay ka na,” De Guzman added.

(After a month or two, they plan to meet—but they will ask for money first and disappear once you give it.)

The CICC said love scammers usually target people looking for foreign partners, so-called “asukal de tito” or lonely men with stable careers, those in a hurry to get married, solo parents, and other vulnerable individuals.

Authorities also warned that love scams have become more sophisticated, with scammers now using artificial intelligence to generate fake photos and identities.

CICC data showed that more than 1,000 Filipinos fell victim to love scams last year, with Metro Manila recording the highest number of cases at 36. As of January 2026 alone, 15 cases have already been reported.

“January because it’s the season leading up to Valentine’s; June because of the ‘June Bride’—those traditional Filipino beliefs,” said CICC Executive Director Aboy Paraiso.

Victims may report love scams to the CICC hotline 1326, or call or text 0991-481-4225, 0947-714-7105, or 0966-976-5971.

The CICC said it can trace registered phone numbers of suspects and request the blocking of their social media accounts.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA Integrated News