The Philippine National Police (PNP) has renewed its warning against online romance scams as Valentine’s Day approaches, citing cases that continue to target unsuspecting victims through social media and dating platforms.
Police data showed dozens of reported love scam incidents over the past two years, with several cases already recorded in the first weeks of 2026, prompting authorities to urge the public to remain cautious despite a slight decline in reported incidents.
The PNP said scammers typically build emotional connections online by posing as foreigners or overseas Filipino workers, often avoiding video calls while quickly expressing affection to gain trust.
After establishing rapport, perpetrators usually fabricate emergencies or plans to meet in person, eventually asking for money, travel funds, or sensitive personal details such as bank information and one-time passwords, police said.
Authorities noted that individuals who are single, widowed, older, or emotionally vulnerable are often targeted, reminding the public not to share money, personal data, or intimate images with people they have not personally met or verified.
The police urged internet users to be alert to warning signs, including sudden professions of love, repeated financial requests, and excuses for not meeting face to face, advising potential victims to disengage immediately once such red flags appear.
The advisory forms part of the PNP’s broader campaign to curb cyber-enabled fraud, as authorities encouraged the public to celebrate Valentine’s Day safely and report suspected online scams to law enforcement.