Love, lies and theft

There is a trending Korean series on Netflix titled The Art of Sarah. It follows how high society welcomed a young woman named Sarah Kim, played by Shin Hye Sun, who presented herself as someone from an elite pedigree. 

Attached to her name was a self-invented luxury brand called “Budoir,” which later turned out to be part of a fake story and a serial con. This mirrors the globally known case of Anna Delvey in the US, a budding socialite whose lies were eventually exposed.

From an outsider’s point of view, the biggest question is: Why people were so trusting of a stranger? In The Art of Sarah, ambition and the allure of influence played a role. In Delvey’s case, exclusivity piqued curiosity. Unfortunately, similar narratives are unfolding in real life for some Filipinos who believe they have gained a confidant online, only to open not just their hearts but also their wallets.

According to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, 38 percent of consumer-related fraud in the Philippines comes from love scams. During Safer Internet Day in Taguig on 10 February, Google Philippines noted that even digitally savvy users can have their logical defenses broken through emotion, especially when trust is carefully built. Some may think they have found love, only to discover they have been talking to bots trained to appeal to their emotions.

At this rate, anyone with a phone and a SIM has likely received a text claiming they won a gadget or free credits, or a social media message from a supposed distant admirer promising riches in exchange for personal information.

Other common but tricky scams include SMS spoofing, where fraudsters mirror sender information to appear legitimate. A newer scheme is e-commerce manipulation known as “brushing.” This happens when random parcels are delivered to your address even if you never ordered them. Victims sometimes doubt themselves and accept or pay for the package anyway. These parcels often contain low-value items from sellers who obtained personal data to create fake verified purchases and boost their shop ratings.

Banks like BDO Unibank regularly share tips on spotting red flags through SMS, social media, their website and through customer account statements. The #BDOStopScam campaign reminds customers to stay vigilant. Here are key reminders:

• Banks will never send links to customers.

• Never share your One-Time PIN with anyone.

•When in doubt, pause and research.

• If it seems too good to be true, trust your instinct and refuse.

Shopping and connecting online should not put you in danger. Just like Sarah and Anna, scams eventually get revealed. The consequences, more often than not, end behind bars.

In the digital age, scams thrive on speed and emotion. The better defense is awareness and a moment of pause. Unlike fictional dramas where deception makes for gripping entertainment, real-life fraud leaves lasting damage. Staying informed and cautious is what keeps your story from turning into a cautionary tale.