MANILA – Civil and government data security executives warned the public about scammers who exploit artificial intelligence (AI) to commit “love scams,” targeting individuals seeking romantic partners.

At a press conference held at Scam Watch Pilipinas (PH) headquarters in Taguig City, Scam Watch PH co-founder Jocel de Guzman said the scams often focus on five vulnerable profiles: adults seeking foreign partners, financially stable professionals, women pressured to marry, men struggling with rejection, and solo parents looking for companionship.

“These scams focus on specific profiles… showing that scammers are exploiting vulnerability, not ignorance,” de Guzman said.

The event, titled “Unmatch PH 2026: Umiwas sa AI, AI, AI Feb-ibig (avoid AI love),” launched the latest national anti-love scam awareness campaign by Scam Watch PH and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

CICC Acting Executive Director Aboy Paraiso warned that scammers have significantly escalated the scale and sophistication of love scams by using AI to manipulate victims emotionally before shifting to financial exploitation.

“AI allows scammers to sustain emotional manipulation through fake identities, automated conversations, and staged interactions, making love scams more organized, more convincing, and more dangerous,” Paraiso said.

Scam Watch identified six common love scam profiles in the Philippines.

• The “Sad Boi, Sad Gurl” shares tragic personal stories to gain sympathy before asking for money.
• The “Seducer” uses attractive photos, steers conversations toward sexual topics, and may request nude photos for blackmail.
• The “Investor” poses as a glamorous foreigner and draws victims into fake forex or cryptocurrency schemes.
• The “Serviceman” claims to be a middle-aged foreign military officer, typically targets older women, and asks for financial help.
• The “Escort” presents as sexually open, sends explicit photos, and requests money before any in-person meeting.
• The “Slow Burn” gradually builds trust through personal stories and manipulates victims into sending money.

The Unmatch PH campaign, first launched in 2024, has since become an annual effort to raise awareness against love scams.

The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities or other cybercrime-related incidents through the National Anti-Scam Hotline 1326.