MANILA – The public is being warned to exercise caution against a surge in sophisticated “love scams” ahead of Valentine’s Day, as criminal syndicates increasingly use artificial intelligence and other digital tools to deceive victims, a lawmaker said.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian released the warning following an alert from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), which noted a growing number of romance-related cybercrime cases targeting Filipinos seeking relationships online.

The CICC recorded 123 formal complaints involving love scams in 2025, with cases typically peaking in the early months of the year, particularly from January to February, as well as in June and October. Authorities said these seasonal spikes coincide with periods when people are more likely to seek companionship online.

“Despite the national ban on POGOs [Philippine offshore gaming operators], criminal syndicates continue to exploit loopholes through various schemes, including love scams,” Gatchalian said.

“Nakakalungkot na hindi na lang basta naloloko ang ilan nating kababayan ng perang kanilang pinag-hirapan, ang iba ay nagiging biktima pa ng prostitusyon (It is saddening that some of our countrymen are not only being swindled of their hard-earned money, but others even become victims of prostitution),” he added.

The senator said the use of artificial intelligence has made scams harder to detect, as perpetrators can now generate realistic photos, videos, and messages to build trust with their targets. Victims are often emotionally manipulated over long periods before being pressured into sending money, sharing sensitive information, or engaging in exploitative activities.

The CICC identified six common scammer profiles frequently used in love scam operations. These include the “sad boy” or “sad girl,” who shares dramatic personal stories to solicit financial help; the “seducer,” who gains trust and later asks for compromising photos for potential extortion; and the “investor,” who proposes joint cryptocurrency or online investment schemes.

Other profiles include the “serviceman,” who pretends to be a military member stationed overseas; the “escort,” who demands advance payments for supposed services; and the “slow burner,” who cultivates a long-distance relationship over time before requesting money or favors.