ILOILO City – The Philippine National Police’s Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) has raised the alarm over so-called love scams preying on senior citizens and retirees in Western Visayas, warning that emotional vulnerability continues to be weaponized by online fraudsters.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Richard Habawel, chief of RACU Region 6, said that while cases of love scams are fewer compared to other cybercrimes such as estafa and online selling fraud, they remain a recurring threat — particularly among older individuals seeking companionship online.
“Usually, the victims are seniors or retirees,” Habawel said in an interview.
Scammers deliberately target emotional gaps, exploiting loneliness and the hope of finding a life partner, he explained.
“These perpetrators exploit our human weaknesses. The usual victims are those looking for a partner in life. Then they are offered supposed properties or promised money to be sent to them,” said Habawel.
The scam continues until, instead of receiving money, the victim is already the one paying different fees just to supposedly withdraw the amount sent, he added.
A common ploy involves fraudsters claiming to have sent a large sum of money, only to demand payment for taxes, processing fees, or release charges before the funds can supposedly be accessed.
“That is already a red flag. If it’s too good to be true, then it’s most likely a scam,” Habawel said. “Despite everything we see on TV and social media, there are still people who fall for it. That’s human nature — there is still hope, and they hold on to that hope even if the situation already looks like a scam.”
The cybercrime official urged the public to apply logic over emotion in online relationships, especially when financial transactions are involved.
“Do not follow the beat of the heart alone — use your mind. Don’t be fragile. Don’t be marupok,” he said.
RACU-6I noted that although awareness campaigns have helped reduce the number of reported love scam cases over the years, incidents continue to surface.
“There have been love scam reports in the region. Through the years, the numbers are going down, but they still happen,” Habawel said. “The most common scams now are online selling-related.”
Habawel also admitted the difficulty in prosecuting perpetrators, as many operate behind fabricated identities and fictitious addresses.
“Before they even start scamming, they are already prepared. They use fake identifications and open bank or financial accounts using fake names. Sometimes, even if we secure a warrant and validate the addresses, there is no such person. In my experience in RACU-6, we have not yet successfully prosecuted a love scammer because of these challenges,” he said.
RACU-6 urged the public to avoid sending money to individuals they have not personally met, verify identities, and promptly report suspicious online interactions.
“Our best defense is awareness,” Habawel said. “If we are informed, we reduce the chances of becoming victims.”/PN
