Business · Philippines Bureau
BOC steps up alert on romance fraud schemes targeting Filipinos
Philippine customs authorities are sounding fresh alarms over love scams, which have generated more than 700 complaints since January. The Bureau of Customs reports the fraudulent schemes are averaging 70 incidents monthly, with most perpetrators operating from abroad.
LSN Philippines ·
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) renewed its public warning against romance-based fraud schemes on Wednesday, disclosing that the agency has logged over 700 complaints since the start of 2024. BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the complaints average approximately 70 per month, with January registering the highest volume of reports.
The scams are predominantly coordinated by foreign nationals who pose as potential romantic partners to extract money and personal information from Filipino victims. Nepomuceno did not disclose specific nationalities or the countries from which the operations are being orchestrated, but underscored the transnational nature of the criminal activity.
The spike in complaints reflects a persistent vulnerability among Filipinos to online romance fraud, a category of scams that typically begins with fraudsters establishing emotional connections through dating platforms and social media. Once trust is established, perpetrators request financial assistance under various pretexts, ranging from medical emergencies to travel expenses.
The BOC's latest advisory comes as authorities across the region continue grappling with the growing sophistication of cyber-enabled financial crimes. Officials have urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in online relationships, particularly with individuals unwilling to meet in person or who quickly request money.