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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider UnMatch campaign tackles love scams in the digital age

UnMatch campaign tackles love scams in the digital age

Published Jan 25, 2024 04:20 pm

FROM BEEPERS TO BYTES

ARTSAM.jpeg

Romance may blossom online, but so can deception. Scam Watch Pilipinas, a staunch advocate for consumer protection against online scams, is raising awareness this Valentine's Day about the lurking dangers of online relationships with its aptly named campaign, UnMatch. This initiative sheds light on the ever-evolving tactics of love scams, empowering Filipinos to navigate the digital dating landscape with caution and discernment.


Once relegated to grainy email exchanges and pixelated profile pictures, love scams have undergone a sophisticated metamorphosis in the age of social media. Gone are the days of blatant pleas for money; today's perpetrators weave intricate webs of trust and affection, often targeting emotionally vulnerable individuals seeking companionship.


This is how the techie seduction works:


The random messenger: A charming stranger slides into your DMs, showering you with compliments and feigning instant connection. Their carefully curated online persona, often crafted with stolen photos and fabricated backgrounds, fuels an initial spark.


The slow burn: The scammer plays the long game, engaging in seemingly harmless conversations, sharing personal anecdotes, and expressing genuine interest. This emotional investment builds trust, making it easier to manipulate you later.


The shift in scenery: Once the victim is hooked, the scammer might suggest moving the conversation to a private platform, like WhatsApp or Telegram. This isolates the communication, making it harder for friends or family to intervene.


The bait and switch: The inevitable request for money arrives, often disguised as an emergency – a sick child, a sudden financial predicament. Appeals to sympathy and promises of future repayment affect the victim's emotional attachment.


The partnership technique: The scammer will not directly ask for money. Instead, he will invite the victim to invest in cryptocurrency, a fifty-fifty fake investment partnership. The platform is fake; the crypto movement is not real, and it is designed to siphon the victim's money and immediately forward it to an e-wallet somewhere around the globe.


Scam Watch Pilipinas' UnMatch campaign tackles this insidious threat head-on by:


Raising awareness: Educational materials and social media campaigns highlight the red flags of love scams, empowering Filipinos to identify and avoid potential predators.


Sharing real-life stories: Testimonials from victims shed light on the emotional and financial toll of these scams, serving as cautionary tales for others.
Providing practical tips: The campaign offers concrete advice on online safety, like verifying profiles, maintaining healthy boundaries, and never sending money to strangers online.


Combating love scams requires a multi-pronged approach. Individuals must practice caution and critical thinking online, while social media platforms must implement stricter verification measures and reporting mechanisms. Law enforcement agencies also play a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting these cybercriminals.


By shining a light on the evolving tactics of love scams, Scam Watch Pilipinas' UnMatch campaign empowers Filipinos to make informed choices in the digital dating world. Remember, true love shouldn't involve requests for money or sudden shifts in communication platforms. If something feels off, unmatch without hesitation and seek support from trusted friends or family. Let's navigate the online world cautiously, keeping romance alive while leaving deception in the dust.


#FindLoveNotScams #DateSmartBeSafe

(Art Samaniego, Jr. is the head of Manila Bulletin IT Department and is the editor of Technews.)

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