Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying efforts to counter the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven "love scams." The PNP said Wednesday that its Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) is boosting capabilities as scammers adopt increasingly sophisticated tools to target Filipinos.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP stated that ACG personnel are undergoing continuous training in AI detection, deepfake analysis, and digital forensics to curb emerging forms of love scams. The PNP is also upgrading cybercrime equipment and investigative tools, while strengthening coordination with government agencies and civil society groups to speed up information sharing and the takedown of scam operations.

"AI scams are evolving so we really need to step up in terms of improving the investigation skills and operational capability of our personnel," PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. Earlier, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and civil society group Scam Watch PH warned the public about the growing risk of AI-driven love scams targeting people seeking romantic relationships.

Authorities said the schemes exploit emotional vulnerability rather than lack of awareness, often targeting individuals seeking foreign partners, financially stable professionals, women under pressure to marry, men coping with rejection, and solo parents. They added scammers now use AI to create fake identities and sustain emotional manipulation, making schemes more coordinated and convincing before shifting to financial exploitation.