THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) cautioned the public against online love scams, particularly around the Valentines season when con artists usually become more active.
On Feb. 13, the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group also served warning against the so-called ‘love scams’ victimizing hapless lovers.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency has received reports of Filipinos being scammed by people posing as foreign nationals and claiming to have been detained by Immigration authorities upon arrival in the Philippines.
“These scammers fabricate stories to make their victims believe they are in trouble and need immediate financial assistance,” Viado explained.
“We remind the public that the BI does not demand payments over the phone, nor are we responsible for handling incoming currency or personal belongings such as luggage or jewelry,” he added.
The modus, Viado said, starts when a scammer pretends to be a foreigner who has developed a romantic relationship with a targeted online victim. After promising to visit the Philippines, they claim to have been stopped at the airport for carrying large sums of cash or expensive gifts, such as an engagement ring.
A fake immigration officer then contacts the victim, demanding money to secure the foreigner’s release.
“Scammers prey on emotions to manipulate their victims. We strongly advise against sending money to anyone without verifying their claims through official channels,” Viado said.
According to PNP-ACG spokesman Lt. Wallen Arancillo, they are monitoring incidents of “love scams” done mostly through the internet or through the social media.