Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, Deputy Director for Operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) | Emmariel Ares
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Authorities here are reminding the public to not be swayed by sweet words and fake promises and end up as victims of “love scams” especially this love month
On the second day of the month of February, Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, Deputy Director for Operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), reminded the public to avoid falling victim to crimes classified as “love scams” as Valentine’s Day draws near.
“Love scams” are crimes committed when perpetrators utilize fake accounts on social media to reach out to unsuspecting victims and build romantic relationships in exchange for money or investments in cryptocurrency.
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On Wednesday, January 31, the national cybersecurity movement Scam Watch Pilipinas revealed the 8 different love scammer profiles that netizens might encounter online during the launch of the campaign that aims to educate people about this kind of scam.
Here are the 8 Love Scammer Profiles with their red flags, according to Scam Watch Pilipinas:
1. Sad Boi, Sad Gurl – These individuals use sad stories in order to gain sympathy before requesting for money
2. The Seducer – Scammers that send attractive and enticing photos to persuade victims to share their own sensitive images. Once the victim sends sensitive images, the scammer will make several requests. When the victim declines, the scammers resort to blackmailing the former.
3. The Investor – This type of scammer pretends to be a good-looking foreigner and attempts to convince victims to invest in cryptocurrency.
4. The Servicemen – Scammers introduce themselves as military or police personnel looking for a life-long romantic partner. They eventually end up asking for financial assistance from the victim.
5. The Escort – These persons send sexy, nude photos to victims and asks for money first before arranging a meetup.
6. The Blackmailer – These scammers express love and affection to victims in order to get sexy photos. They then blackmail the victims for money using the pictures.
7. The Slow Burn – This type of scammer pretends to be sincerely interested in gaining the affection of victims. But they never agree to meet in person while always asking for money.
8. The Predator – This refers to mature individuals targeting young victims by sending them money in exchange for sensitive photos.
To avoid falling under the trap of these scammers, police here are advising the public to be vigilant and cautious with who they interact with on the internet, especially while in search for a romantic relationship.
Rafter stated that they reiterated these reminders in order to make sure that the residents of Cebu City remain safe from “love scams” while they celebrate the month of romance.
READ: Woman accused of scamming nabbed in Naga City, Cebu
She disclosed that similar to how different types of scammers emerged during the Christmas Season and Sinulog Festival, individuals with malicious intent adjust to the times and occasions to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.
Rafter urged the members of the community to thoroughly scrutinize who they interact online.
“In general, atoa lang gyud ning reminder for everybody bisag dili pa na gugma ang gi-offer. Bisag unsang butanga nga i-offer sa atoa, let us analyze it,” she stated.
For individuals who are hoping to find true love on the internet in time for Valentine’s Day, Rafter advised them to refrain from being swayed by seemingly attractive pictures or flattering words that are too good to be true. Mostly, these are love scams.
“Speaking of love month, kung naa gani magpadayag og gugma, tan-awon gyud nato nga usahay ipakita lang na nila on video or sa picture lang, kanang mga nawong nga maka-entice gyud kaayo. Nga maka-ingon gyud kag “Oo” dayon…When the offer is too good to be true, then you be careful. Beware na gyud ka ana…Di gyud magpadala sa tam-is nga mga pasalig,” added Rafter.