LOVE SCAM AWARENESS
Love scam, also known as a romance scam, happens when scammers use fake identities to build romantic relationships online to manipulate victims into sending money or personal information.
HOW LOVE SCAMMERS OPERATE
- Establishing Trust: They build an emotional connection over time, often through dating apps, social media, or even emails.
- Creating a Sob Story: Scammers invent situations like medical emergencies, travel mishaps, or sudden financial crises.
- Requesting Money: They ask for financial help, promising repayment, or claiming it’s for love, once trust is established.
STATISTICS
- The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group reported ₱155 million lost to scams, with romance scams as a major contributor in January to August 2023.
- The PNP-ACG noted a rise in romance scam complaints from 94 in 2022 to 168 in 2023, indicating a growing concern.
- 45% of Southeast Asians, including Filipinos, fell for love scams, losing up to ₱510,000.
- Over 66% of global respondents have been targeted by romance scams, highlighting their prevalence.
COMMON RED FLAGS
- They profess love too quickly.
- They ask for money, gift cards, or bank details.
- They avoid video calls or in-person meetings.
- Their profile photos seem overly glamorous or are stolen from someone else.
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Verify Their Identity
- Avoid Sharing Personal Info
- Be Skeptical of Financial Requests
- Trust Your Instincts
WHEN YOU’RE A VICTIM
- Stop Contacting the Scammer: Block and report them on the platform.
- Report the Incident: Contact your local authorities and online platforms.
- Secure Your Accounts: Change your passwords and monitor your financials.
A Safety & Security Reminder from the LINKED Group
