AS couples plan on celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14, the Police Regional Office 1 warned of scams aimed at victimizing the loveless man or woman.

P/Chief Master Sergeant Archimedes Fernandez, cyber investigator of the Regional Anti Cybercrime Unit 1 (RACU), said criminals find their victims via online dating apps – those who are in search for love as most vulnerable.

Fernandez said the criminals pose as foreigners, preying on loveless Filipinos.

“Mautak ang mga ito, kahit hindi ipinapakita yung mukha, magaling nilang kunin yung loob ng kausap”, said Fernandez.

Their modus is to get target victims to be emotionally attracted to their “available match” then eventually gather the victim’s personal information then begins to ask for money.

Fernandez said would be victims can know if it’s love scam if the “date” finds a reason to send a package with money and jewelries – sending a screenshot of an alleged voucher proving that a package has been sent.

Another cohort, posing as a courier, will call the unsuspecting victim, to say that the package is on hold and a fee must be paid to release it.

Another ploy is for someone to pose as a member of the Bureau of Customs, saying a fee must be paid for the package to be released.

Once the victim has sent payment, the scammer deactivates his account, only then will the loveless person will realize he/she has been duped.

Fernandez urged victims of online blackmail to call RACU 1 through their number 0917 779 7400. (Ahikam Pasion)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments