As Valentine's Day approaches, many single individuals, particularly those relying on social media and dating apps, are looking for potential partners. 

There is nothing wrong with online dating but the Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned against the rising threat of the so-called ‘love scams.’

"Ay, wag silang magtiwala dyan, ano, kasi nga yung harap-harapan na nai-scam pa, yun [pa kayang] mga online. So yan sa mga online na yan, nandyan yung mga pwede kang mabiktima ng estafa, o kaya ma-sextortion ka,” PCapt. Angelo Babagay, Team Leader of the Naga City and Camarines Sur Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit, said.

Suspects reportedly often use financial manipulation and emotional blackmail, and they entice potential targets with fabricated stories, fake profile pictures, and persuasion.

"Akala mo ang ganda ng babae pero mga downloaded yun… makikita nyo yung profile picture ang gaganda syempre, mai-inlove ka doon, yun ang nagiging problema dyan,” Babagay added.

To safeguard against the scam, the public is urged to be cautious of profiles with red flags, including:

1. The sad boy or sad girl, or those portraying a sad backstory, 
2. Individuals claiming to be wealthy investors or servicemen in the military,
3. Those who ask for nude photos, and;
4. The slowburn, or those who engage in long-term emotional manipulation before asking for money.

Authorities urge the public to use their intellect over their emotions to avoid being ‘love scammed.’