A POGO-linked love scam hub using AI has been busted in Manila. Over 100 individuals arrested in the latest crackdown on online fraud operations.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents raided a suspected love scam hub in a Makati City condominium on Tuesday, uncovering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their deceptive operations.
A video report by local media ABS-CBN News uncovered the arrest. It was revealed in the report that these were “remnants” of the now-illegal offshore gaming trade.
"These are the remnants of POGO operations. The principals have already left and these people were left to continue in fraudulent schemes," said NBI NCR Regional Director Ferdinand Lavin. "They still have the systems in place. They continue to rent the facilities, they have the equipment. Only the principals left, the personnel are still here."
NBI Director Jaime Santiago expressed concern over the misuse of AI for such illicit activities. According to one of the arrested Filipino women, they employed female models whose images were replicated using AI image generators. The suspect admitted to the illegal activity but claimed they only communicated with foreigners.
"I'm the one who talks to the clients through video call. For different clients, we use different models. Usually, we just exchange greetings and then proceed to chat," she said.
Operatives found cellphones and computers containing scripts used in the fraudulent scheme. Over 100 Filipinos and a Chinese national, identified as the employees' supervisor, were arrested in the operation.
"Once they gain the trust of the people, they will ask them to open a crypto account. That's how they get the people's money," Santiago explained.
He warned the public, especially with Valentine's Day approaching, to be cautious of dating apps and potential scams.
The suspects will face charges for violating the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The NBI is also considering filing identity theft charges due to the use of other people's identities.
The owner of the condominium unit is also under investigation for allowing the scam hub to operate within their property.
Read related article: How A POGO-Linked Love Scam Preyed on 5,000 Australians
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