65-Year-Old Man Nearly P20k to Fake Online Girlfriend Kidnapping Scam in Albay
A 65-year-old man from Pio Duran, Albay, nearly lost another P20,000 after scammers allegedly used a fake kidnapping story involving his online girlfriend to demand money from him.
According to the Pio Duran Police Station, the man sought help after being informed that the woman he had been communicating with online for about a year had supposedly been kidnapped while traveling to Bicol to meet him.
The people behind the alleged scheme demanded P20,000 from the elderly man, claiming that the money was needed to secure the woman’s release. Worried about what might happen to his online partner, he became concerned about the situation and sought assistance.
Police officers immediately responded after receiving a call through the 911 emergency hotline. They arrived at the location within just five minutes to check the report and assist the potential victim.
During their verification, authorities discovered signs suggesting that the supposed online girlfriend may have been using a false identity and photos generated through artificial intelligence to deceive the man.
The elderly man also revealed that he had already sent around P30,000 during their year-long online relationship. The money was reportedly used for various requests, including mobile phone load, bills, and tuition fees.
Fortunately, the quick response of the police helped prevent the man from potentially losing another P20,000 to the alleged scam.
The PNP is continuing its investigation to identify the people responsible for the scheme.
Authorities encourage the public to verify identities and avoid sending money to people they have never personally met, especially when faced with sudden emergencies and demands for payment.
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