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In 2024, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) recorded 72 cases of online love scams in the Philippines, with a noticeable spike in February, a time when many people are more emotionally vulnerable due to the Valentine’s season. Love scams often target individuals looking for genuine romantic connections through dating apps or social media. Scammers create fake profiles, build trust through constant communication, and eventually manipulate their victims into sending money or revealing sensitive financial information such as credit card details.
What makes these scams especially alarming is how they take advantage of the warmth and generosity that Filipinos are known for. If you happen to fall victim to this scam, even the most secure credit card and other financial products and services won't be able to protect you if you willingly share your information with someone you thought you could trust. This can lead to unauthorized transactions, drained bank accounts, and long-term financial damage that may take months or even years to recover from.
In this article, we’ll go over practical tips to help you recognize and avoid love scams, while also showing you how to protect your credit card information from being misused.
1. Be Cautious with Online Relationships
When you meet someone online, it’s important to take your time getting to know them. Scammers usually try to move fast by showering you with compliments or declaring their love early on. This tactic is meant to make you feel special and emotionally attached before you have a chance to think things through.
Remember that genuine relationships take time to grow, especially when they start virtually. If the person avoids video calls, comes up with excuses not to meet in person, or always has a vague explanation about where they live or work, those are red flags. Real connections are built on honesty and transparency, not secrecy and pressure.
2. Never Send Money or Share Financial Details
No matter how convincing or emotional their story may be, never send money or share your credit card details with someone you’ve just met online. Scammers are skilled at creating fake emergencies, like needing money for a hospital bill or helping a sick relative. They rely on your emotions and sense of compassion to make you feel guilty or responsible. Once they get access to your financial information, they can use it to make unauthorized purchases, steal your identity, or even open new accounts in your name.
This is where a credit card with robust security measures can really come in handy. For example, a card that lets you control your spending limits and manage transactions can be a lifesaver if your card information gets compromised. The Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card from Maya, in particular, allows users to toggle online or foreign transactions on and off as well as set daily spending limits. With the safest credit card at your disposal, you can strengthen your defenses against scammers trying to make unauthorized purchases and significantly reduce the risk of financial loss.
3. Keep Your Social Media Private
Be careful about what you share on your social media profiles, especially if they’re set to public. Scammers can use your posts to learn personal details about you, such as your location, job, family, hobbies, or even your recent heartbreaks. They use this information to build trust and tailor their messages to make you feel like they’re the perfect match.
To protect yourself, adjust your privacy settings so only trusted friends can see your posts and personal information. Avoid accepting friend or message requests from strangers as well. The less they know about you, the less power they have to manipulate you emotionally.
4. Enable Credit Card Alerts
Most banks offer SMS or app notifications for credit card transactions, and it’s highly recommended to activate them. These alerts notify you immediately whenever your card is used, so you can quickly spot any suspicious activity and take action. This instant notification can be your first line of defense against unauthorized charges.
Adding another layer of protection can also make a big difference. For example, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card features a dynamic CVV that changes every 24 hours and generates a new number each time you access your card details through the Maya app. This means you don’t have to rely on your card’s permanent CVV, significantly reducing the risk of it falling into the hands of scammers. With a dynamic CVV, you can ensure secure online credit card transactions and make it much harder for fraudsters to carry out recurring unauthorized purchases, keeping your credit card safer overall.
5. Report Suspicious Behavior
If someone online is acting suspicious or making you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to report them. Dating platforms and social media apps usually have options for flagging suspicious accounts. You can also report incidents to authorities like the CICC, as they’re equipped to handle love scam cases. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can be incredibly helpful as well. Scammers often try to isolate their victims to prevent them from seeking outside advice, so reaching out to someone you trust can provide a clearer perspective on your situation.
Additionally, if your credit card information is ever compromised, it’s a smart move to freeze or block your card immediately. For Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card holders, this can be done easily through the Maya app by following these simple steps:
- Go to Cards and select your credit card
- Tap the snowflake icon
- Tap Freeze card
From there, you can cancel your card and buy a replacement. Simply follow these steps:
- Go to Cards and select your credit card
- Tap the gear icon to open your card settings
- Select Card security, then continue with your password.
- Select Permanently block card, choose reason: I lost my card, then Confirm.
- Once your card is canceled, tap Order a new card to buy a replacement, subject to card replacement fee.
By knowing when to report suspicious behavior and using card freeze or block features, you can protect both yourself and your credit card information from potential fraud.
6. Trust Your Instincts
At the end of the day, your gut feeling is a powerful tool. If something feels wrong or too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are skilled at making you doubt yourself, but remember that you should never feel pressured, confused, or afraid to ask questions in a healthy relationship. Listen to your instincts and take a step back when needed. Trust and respect go both ways, and if someone can't offer that, then they're not worth your time or trust.
In a world where digital connections are increasingly common, protecting both your heart and your finances has never been more important. While technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers, reminding us that a healthy dose of caution is just as essential as openness in any relationship. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and remember that genuine love never comes with a price tag.
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