Love Scam Hub Using AI Busted in Makati
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided a suspected love scam hub in Makati City that was allegedly using artificial intelligence to carry out illegal activities.
The operation led to the arrest of 167 Filipinos and two Chinese nationals who were caught in the act of running scam operations.
During the raid, authorities discovered scripts on computer desktops that were used to trick victims into emotional and financial scams. They also found mobile phones programmed to send automated messages, making it easier for scammers to communicate with multiple targets at once without much effort.
In addition, unregistered SIM cards were found, which were likely used to avoid detection and make tracking difficult.
According to NBI National Capital Region director Ferdinand Lavin, the suspects may face charges for violating the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act. These laws are designed to combat online fraud and protect people from becoming victims of digital crimes.
The use of AI in scams like this shows how fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, making it harder for individuals to spot red flags. This incident highlights the importance of staying alert when interacting with people online, especially when it comes to personal or financial matters.
In another post, a syndicate uses faces of celebrities and influencers in online love scam
Authorities continue to investigate the case to identify the masterminds behind the operation and prevent similar scams from spreading. Meanwhile, the NBI urges the public to be cautious of suspicious online relationships, especially those that involve requests for money or personal information.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
What is love scam?
A love scam, also known as a romance scam, is a type of fraud where someone pretends to be romantically interested in another person to trick them, usually to get money. Scammers often create fake profiles on dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms, using attractive photos and made-up stories to seem convincing.
They spend time building trust and creating an emotional connection, making the victim believe they’re in a real relationship. Once they’ve gained the victim’s trust, they start asking for money, often with dramatic stories like medical emergencies, financial problems, or travel issues.