In the shadowy corners of the digital world, deception often wears the mask of love and companionship. I recently had a heart-wrenching conversation with a woman who reached out to ScamWatch Pilipinas after falling victim to such a scam. She shared how a seemingly harmless online interaction spiralled into a nightmare, leading her to lose approximately P260,000. The scammer manipulated her emotions and convinced her to part with her hard-earned money. But the deception didn't stop there. The scammer also lured her into a bogus investment scheme, further deepening the financial and emotional damage.

Here's the story of 56-year-old Minerva (not her real name), a single mom and a licensed teacher from Manila:

"I've always been a hopeless romantic, dreaming of finding my soulmate in this vast and lonely world. My children are all grown up, and I am living alone. That's why I turned to online dating, hoping to meet someone who would share my passions and values. Little did I know I was entering a minefield of deception and manipulation, where scammers prey on the vulnerable and lonely."

"It started with a simple message on Facebook. He said his name was Mark, a retired engineer from Australia and a widower. He had a handsome face and a charming smile. He said he was looking for a serious relationship and felt a connection with me. I was flattered and intrigued."

"We started chatting every day, exchanging stories and photos. He seemed genuine and caring, always asking about my day and feelings. He said he loved me, and I believed him."

"He asked me to switch to WhatsApp, saying it was more private and secure. I agreed, thinking it was a sign of trust. After exchanging messages for over two months, he said he wanted to meet me in person and planned to fly to the Philippines soon. I was overjoyed, thinking it was the start of something real."

"Then, everything changed. He stopped messaging me. I was worried. After three days, he was back. He told me he had a problem with his bank account and needed money to pay for his flight. He said he would pay me back as soon as he arrived. He begged me to help him, saying he couldn't wait to see me. He said it was a test of our love."

"I was hesitant, but I wanted to believe him. I wanted to help him. I wanted to be with him. I sent him the money, hoping it would be the first and last time."

"But it wasn't. He kept asking for more money for different reasons. He said he had a medical emergency, a legal issue, or a business opportunity. He said he needed my support, my partnership, and my investment. He said he would make it up to me, with interest."

"He never did. He disappeared, along with my money and my heart. I was left broken and betrayed, wondering how I could have been so naive."

Minerva is not alone. According to Undersecretary Alexander Ramos, Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, love scams are one of the country's most prevalent and damaging forms of cybercrime. In 2023, Filipinos lost millions of pesos to these scammers, who use sophisticated techniques to lure and exploit their victims.

This is the reason why Scam Watch Pilipinas launched the UnMatch campaign, a timely initiative to raise awareness and prevent love scams this Valentine's Day. The campaign aims to educate Filipinos about the common signs of love scams and how to avoid them.

Here are some of the red flags to watch out for, according to Scam Watch Pilipinas:

The Random Messenger: The scammer contacts you out of the blue, usually on social media or dating apps. They shower you with compliments and claim to have a lot in common with you. They may use stolen photos and fake profiles to appear attractive and successful.

The Slow Burn: The scammer builds a rapport with you, sharing personal details and showing interest in your life. They create an emotional bond, making you feel special and loved. They may also send you gifts or flowers to win your trust.

The Shift in Scenery: The scammer suggests moving the conversation to a different platform, such as WhatsApp or Telegram. This isolates you from your friends and family and makes it harder to trace their identity.

The Bait and Switch: The scammer asks you for money, usually for an urgent or unexpected reason. They may appeal to your sympathy, guilt, or love. They may promise to pay you back or to meet you in person. They may also invite you to invest in a fake business or cryptocurrency scheme, promising high returns.

Don't hesitate to unmatch and block the scammer if you encounter any of these signs. Never send money or personal information to someone you haven't met in person. Verify their identity and background, and research their photos and stories. Maintain healthy boundaries, and don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. Seek support from your friends and family, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Love scams are a serious threat to our online safety and well-being. But we can fight back by being informed and vigilant. Let's not let these scammers ruin our chances of finding true love. Let's unmask their deceptions and keep our hearts and wallets safe.

Go to www.scamwatchpilipinas.com or call the government's anti-scam hotline, 1326, to report scams and other cybercrimes.