Lolos beware: Love scams in the air

The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a warning Wednesday for the public to remain vigilant against online romance scams, citing that while recorded cases have fluctuated, scammers are increasingly targeting the elderly and the emotionally vulnerable ahead of Valentine’s Day.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reported that the police recorded 54 cases of love scams in 2025 and six cases in the first five weeks of 2026. While these figures represent a decline from the 75 cases documented in 2024, officials warned that many incidents go unreported due to social stigma.

“Scammers take advantage of loneliness, trust and hope — especially online,” Nartatez said. “We want the public to enjoy Valentine’s Day safely, without becoming victims of deception.”

Data from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Council suggests a much broader problem, as CICC executive director Renato Paraiso said his agency recorded 18,000 incidents of romance-related scams in 2025.