The Philippine National Police warned against artificial intelligence-assisted love scams targeting online users, as it becomes more prevalent and harder to detect.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said cybercrime investigators are strengthening detection and response efforts amidst the growth of scammers employing AI-generated profiles and deepfake technology.
Nartatez said that, “AI scams are evolving so we really need to step up in terms of improving the investigation skills and operational capability of our personnel”.
Police cyber patrol teams are training in deepfake analysis, AI detection, and digital forensics to counter emerging scam operations, as the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) warned that scammers are adopting the utilization of artificial intelligence to make fake identities appear authentic.
CICC executive director Renato Paraiso said, “We are monitoring this closely, and when it comes to their profiles, nothing much has really changed. What has changed is their use of AI in committing these love scams.”, noting that deepfakes are becoming widespread to commit said love scams.
Paraiso further noted that even advice such as verifying identities through video calls has become less optimal as AI has evolved to realistically simulate faces and voices.
Authorities advised the public to be cautious when linking with other people online, urging not to send money or any personal information to people whose identity they have no confirmation on.
PNP Raises Alarm Against AI-Driven Scams Targeting People Looking For Love“Think before you click, verify before you trust and never send money or personal information to someone you have not personally met,” Nartatez warned.
