MANILA — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has raised the alarm over increasingly sophisticated online romance scams, warning that scammers are now using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to deceive victims.
CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso said perpetrators are already capable of using deepfake filters during real-time video and voice communications, making it far more difficult for victims to verify whether they are interacting with a real person.
Paraiso acknowledged that there is currently no reliable way to instantly detect if a person on the other end of an online conversation is using AI-generated filters. He advised the public to be cautious, especially when someone repeatedly avoids meeting in person.
With scammers adopting more advanced technology, Paraiso noted a noticeable rise in younger victims.
He stressed that AI and deepfakes are now being used across various forms of cyber fraud, but romance scams pose unique and deeper risks.
According to Paraiso, so-called “slow burn” love scams are among the most dangerous because they gradually build emotional attachment. Beyond financial losses, victims often suffer significant emotional and psychological harm, including a loss of trust in genuine human relationships.
The CICC also observed that many victims hesitate to report romance scams due to embarrassment or fear of stigma. While reports have increased, Paraiso said these still represent only a fraction of actual cases.
He emphasized that encouraging victims to come forward is a key part of the agency’s public awareness campaign, assuring the public that reporting scams is neither shameful nor isolating.
CICC SEEKS STRONGER SIM REGISTRATION SAFEGUARDS
Paraiso said the implementation of SIM card registration has helped reduce certain types of scams, but admitted that loopholes and weak identity verification processes continue to be exploited.
He called for stricter SIM registration requirements, including mandatory verification through the national identification system.
Paraiso suggested that SIM cards that fail to complete proper identity verification within a set period should be blocked to prevent misuse.
CONCERN
Online romance scams have long been a concern in the Philippines, but authorities say the emergence of AI-powered tools has significantly changed the threat landscape.
Law enforcement agencies have been pushing for stronger digital safeguards, improved identity verification, and increased public reporting as part of broader efforts to combat cybercrime.
The issue has gained urgency as internet usage grows and scammers adopt technologies that blur the line between real and artificial interactions.