MANILA -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded the public on Tuesday to be wary of so-called “love scams” which are prevalent over the internet as Valentine’s Day approaches.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said the public should look after their vulnerable family members, including those who are grieving, lonely or going through emotional transitions. He said these are the people being targeted by criminals behind the “love scam”.

“Iyong love scam, tinitingnan nila iyong to the profile kung sino iyong malungkot, nag-iisa, ano iyong music na hilig mo, ano iyong hilig mong kinakain, ganito and then iyong weakness mo doon ka pinapasok, talagang sindikato. Imagine, that love scam nagna-number one ngayon iyan ha, pinapasok nila,” Abalos said in a briefing in Malacanang.

Abalos said there should be an avenue where such illegal activity can be discussed to heighten the awareness of the public.

“I guess ang importante rito is that everyone should be aware of all of these things kaya nga dapat siguro isa-suggest ko magkaroon ng Zoom meeting with everyone kung ano talaga itong mga different kinds of scam so that everyone could be aware, lahat ng mga kababayan natin maging aware po rito,” he said.

Philippine National police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., who had raised alarm over the rising prevalence of cybercrimes, echoed the same suggestion on increasing public awareness on scams, referring to the media briefing as one platform to inform.

“Through this activity we are doing now, this press conference, maybe it will make our concerned citizens to become aware,” he said. (PND)