As Valentine’s Day approaches, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. warned the public to be on guard for online love scams, even as number of such scams that the PNP recorded has dropped from 75 in 2024 to 54 in 2025, saying that the threat remains a persistent one.
For this year, the police have already recorded 5 cases of romance scams from January 1 to February 5.
Nartatez said scammers take advantage of people who are longing for love, especially on Valentine’s Day. He told those looking for love to always be careful, as victims are often left not only heartbroken, but also financially drained.
The PNP chief said romance scams usually start with online connections where scammers pretend to be foreigners or overseas Filipino workers. “These people invest time in building emotional attachment, often avoiding video calls, professing love, and eventually asking for money or sensitive personal bank information of their targets.”
Victims are usually single, widowed, older people, or those who are emotionally vulnerable, he added.
Nartatez reminded the lovelorn public not to send money, intimate photos, and personal information to people they meet online. Vigilance in identifying red flags is key to avoid being targeted and victimized by online romance scams.
These scams are a year-round threat, but the criminals will surely take advantage of the approaching Valentine’s Day to try to target the vulnerable, hence the reminder from the PNP.
The internet provides so many ways to make new connections, friends, and maybe even love. While there are success stories, there are also those that have fallen into financial ruin because of online scams. When dealing with people we meet online, constant vigilance and self-protection is paramount, regardless of the occasion or season. If there are any red flags that pop up, it is always wise to err on the side of caution, especially when personal finances are involved.
Let us celebrate Valentine’s Day with an abundance of optimism and caution, especially for those of us who are just getting to know their romantic partners. When it comes to matters of the heart and the wallet, it is always better to be safe than sorry.*
