CYBERSECURITY | Valentine’s Day romance scams surge as AI makes fraud more convincing
In the Philippines, where Valentine’s Day drives heightened online activity across social media and messaging platforms, cybersecurity observers say the season creates a fertile environment for fraud.
As Valentine’s Day approaches — a major commercial and cultural event in countries such as the Philippines — law enforcement agencies in multiple countries are warning the public about a surge in romance scams, with cybersecurity experts saying artificial intelligence is making fraud schemes harder to detect.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and police agencies in the United Kingdom and other countries have recently issued advisories urging people to be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn into requests for money. The warnings come as scammers increasingly use generative AI tools to create realistic fake profiles, images and scripted conversations.
In the Philippines, where Valentine’s Day drives heightened online activity across social media and messaging platforms, cybersecurity observers say the season creates a fertile environment for fraud. The combination of heavy social media use, overseas relationships and digital payments increases exposure to romance-related scams.
A report by British bank TSB found that about 30% of romance scams were linked to Facebook, the highest share among social media and dating platforms. Overall, 58% of cases were tied to social media, while 42% involved dating sites. The data also showed that people ages 65 to 74 accounted for 23% of romance fraud cases, with those over 55 making up 58% of incidents.
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission previously estimated that romance scams cost consumers more than $1 billion in 2023.
Earlier this month, Nigerian authorities arrested a suspect accused of operating a large-scale romance scam using fake identities on social media. According to police reports, the suspect allegedly posed as a U.S.-based doctor and asked victims to send cryptocurrency for medical supplies, promising repayment.
Cybersecurity experts say these schemes typically begin with emotional manipulation. Fraudsters build trust over weeks or months, then fabricate emergencies, business opportunities or travel expenses to solicit funds.
“Cybercriminals create fake identities on dating sites and social media using psychological manipulation to convince victims to send money,” said Konstantin Levinzon, co-founder of Planet VPN. “They are increasingly relying on generative AI tools to make their scams more convincing. With AI enabling the creation of fake images and videos with just a click, users should be particularly cautious.”
Experts advise users to be skeptical of rapid declarations of love, avoid moving conversations off legitimate platforms too quickly and never send money — particularly through cryptocurrency, wire transfers or gift cards — to someone they have not met in person.
Levinzon recommended conducting reverse image searches to verify profile photos and ending conversations immediately if requests for money or sensitive personal information arise.
Security measures such as strong, unique passwords, multifactor authentication and stricter privacy settings on social media accounts can reduce exposure to fraud. While virtual private networks can help protect location data and encrypt traffic, experts stress that behavioral awareness remains the most critical defense.
Authorities advise victims or potential targets to report suspicious accounts to the relevant platform and to local cybercrime authorities.
As digital courtship expands in the Philippines and worldwide, officials warn that emotional manipulation — now amplified by AI — remains at the core of modern romance fraud.
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