An 80-year-old Filipina reportedly sent ₱9 million to someone posing as billionaire Elon Musk, according to Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, who disclosed the case during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Oct. 14.
The woman was among nearly 700 reported victims of online romance scams, with the Bureau of Customs PH (BOC) receiving more than 70 complaints monthly from January to September. Nepomuceno said bank deposit slips showed that she had transferred ₱9 million to her supposed boyfriend.
“The boyfriends are not artificial intelligence. They are real people that they could talk to and they are really handsome,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC also warned about scammers posing as overseas romantic partners who promise expensive gifts, then demand money for supposed Customs duties. Some packages contain items worth only ₱1,000, while victims are asked to pay as much as $1,000 for their release.
Recovering payments sent to overseas scammers remains difficult, particularly when victims mistakenly believe the money went to Customs.
“If your ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’ is asking for money (and you only met the person recently), you should begin to think carefully,” Nepomuceno warned.
“I think that person does not love you.”
The use of celebrity identities to deceive victims was also discussed on PGMN’s Hey Attorney, where PGMN Anchor Atty. Bernice Piñol-Rodriguez interviewed Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso.
Watch the full episode here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2391009044724855
During the interview, the CICC official recounted a case involving a Filipina who believed she was married to American wrestler Roman Reigns. The woman had been sending money to someone impersonating the wrestling star, prompting her family to seek help over concerns about her well-being.
Asked how Filipinos could protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams, Paraiso warned against rushing into financial decisions, particularly when someone uses emotional pressure to demand money.
“One of the major red flags is pressure—tremendous pressure. Whether it’s losing out on a promotion, a discount, or even the chance for love, there is always this pressure to rush. While it is incredibly easy to get the facts right away, scammers intentionally pressure you so that you start doubting yourself,” he said.
The CICC official also advised Filipinos to limit the personal information they share online, which scammers can use to study their habits and relationships. Those who have already transferred money were urged to contact their banks immediately and report the incident to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center for assistance.
