Valentine’s Day is a season of love, roses, and chocolates—but it’s also a prime hunting ground for scammers. Reflecting on my singlehood days, I learned valuable lessons about protecting myself from love traps. Love, like law, requires diligence. Here are some personal tips I followed to avoid becoming a victim of love scams, with some laws and jurisprudence by my side.
- “Love at First Chat?” – Too Good to Be True?
I’ve encountered people who seemed perfect at first but revealed their true motives later. If someone I met online quickly declared undying love and asked for money, I knew I needed to step back. Article 1338 of the Civil Code warns about fraud: “There is fraud when, through insidious words or machinations of one party, the other is induced to execute a contract.” Scammers prey on emotions, using deceptive tactics and misleading sweet words to gain trust.
Tip: Always verify identity. A video call can confirm if the person is genuine or just another scammer. Love doesn’t come with a price tag.
- “Show Me the Money”—Love” or a Pyramid Scheme?
I once met someone who tried to blend romance with a fake investment or emergency pitch. This is a clear red flag. The Revised Penal Code (Article 315) defines Estafa as deceit causing financial harm. Love scammers often weave sob stories or business opportunities to exploit emotions and finances.
Tip: Never give financial favors, especially early in a relationship. Your hard-earned money isn’t meant to fund someone else’s dubious schemes.
- “I’m Your Soulmate... Who Needs Privacy?”
No one has ever asked me for my passwords, but I’ve seen how easily scammers can manipulate trust to extract personal information. Sharing sensitive details like banking credentials or OTPs might seem harmless at the moment, but it can lead to serious consequences. While Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, offers protection against the unauthorized use of personal information, the responsibility ultimately lies with us to stay vigilant and safeguard our data. Trust is important, but so is knowing where to draw the line.
Tip: Protect your personal and financial details as closely as you guard your heart. Genuine love doesn’t demand access to your private information.
This Valentine’s Day, embrace love with both your heart and your head. Genuine affection is shown through actions, not words or suspicious requests. Protect your heart—and your wallet—from scammers lurking in the shadows of romantic bliss. Remember, love isn’t about the rush; it’s about trust. Stay vigilant, choose wisely, and celebrate responsibly, as genuine love abides by Article 19 of the Civil Code, which emphasizes acting with justice, honesty, and good faith.
