Protect Yourself From Fraud | Scams
General Tips

Based on the World Cybercrime Index, top sources of cybercrime are concentrated in a few nations, with Russia, Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria, and Romania identified as the highest-ranking, most significant sources. Other major hubs for various fraud types include the UK, India, and Brazil.

Top 10 Cybercrime Hotspots (World Cybercrime Index)

Research from the University of Oxford identifies these nations as the most significant sources of cybercrime:  

- Russia

- Ukraine

- China

- USA

- Nigeria

- Romania

- North Korea

- UK

- Brazil

- India

Other 19 countries frequently cited in global fraud and scams include:

- Argentina
- Canada

- Germany

- France

- South Africa

- Pakistan

- Bangladesh

- Iran

- Turkey

- Romania

- Malaysia

- Thailand

- Egypt

- Kenya
- Ghana

- Poland

- Bulgaria
- Mexico

- Colombia

PS: The Philippines faces ongoing challenges in addressing fraud. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) playing a crucial role in mitigating these risks. In 2023, the AMLC recorded a surge in suspicious transaction reports, with a significant portion linked to phishing and hacking incidents.

The most prevalent types of fraud include vishing, SMS phishing, business email compromise, and user account hacking. The majority of these fraudulent activities involve inter-account transfers and electronic cash card transactions. AMLC's recent initiatives include enhanced coordination with law enforcement and financial institutions to tackle these issues effectively.

The most prevalent types of scam fall under the category of Love/Romance Scams.

How to avoid Love Scams in the Philippines? 

I advise you to follow 7 steps

Step 1: Stay away from dating websites, and online dating (in general). Please understand that all dating websites (linked to the Philippines) are not operating inside the Philippines!

Yes, matchmaking is generally legal in the Philippines, but with specific restrictions related to international partnerships. The "Anti-Mail-Order Bride Law" (Republic Act 6955, now superseded by RA 10906) prohibits businesses that specifically target Filipino women for marriage to foreign nationals on a mail-order or similar basis. However, other forms of matchmaking, including local or general matchmaking services, are not explicitly outlawed.
PS: The first date should be a coffee date (only), and it's okay if she wants to bring a friend or family member (one or two maximum). Ask questions and don't focus on her appearance (only). Most girls (and transgenders) in the Philippines are nice, kind and lighthearted.
As a foreigner (newcomer), avoid bar girls. You won't find true love with bar girls.
Please note that before the internet and social media - a country girl (traditional Filipina) was every foreigner's dream, but nowadays, there is not much difference between a country girl and a city girl.
I advise you to build a local network, and find your Filipina through your network.

Step 2: Stay away from under age girls/boys.

Always ask for proof of identity to verify age.

Step 3: Stay away from married Filipina.
There is no divorce in the Philippines, unless she is Muslim, or through a long process. Just move on and keep searching, the country is full with single beautiful polite girls/women.
Always request proof of single status.

Step 4: Stay away from your Filipina's family.

I mean do not live in the same city/town/village where your Filipina's family members are living.

Step 5: Stay away from greed and/or being cheap!

Stay balanced - between kindness and seriousness.
Remember (always) that your money is your main strength, therefore, manage it wisely, and never open a joint bank account.

Step 6: Stay away from drugs.

You must maintain your mental and emotional balance so that you do not make decisions without awareness or understanding.
You and your Filipina should go to a medical center (together), and undergo a comprehensive medical examination before you start living together.

Step 7: Stay away from stress - and be positive, careful, patient and polite - to get the best of the Philippines.

Important Facts | Tips:
Filipina is family oriented, which means supporting her family (financially and emotionally) is her priority in life.

I advise you to note 12 tips

◾ If your Filipina is working then please understand that all her income will go to her family, but if she is not working of course she will ask you (directly or indirectly) for financial support. There is nothing wrong with supporting (financially) your Filipina, if that is not the only reason for her being with you as a man.
◾ There is a high % of single mothers in the Philippines - Why? The law prohibits abortion. Of course, single mothers are in need emotionally and financially.

◾ The younger the better, correct, to build memories and experience life together.

◾ Most Filipinos do not use sexual protection products.

◾ Anyone who refuses to mention you (photo/video/post/comment) on his/her official (real) social media accounts - is probably only interested in your money, because most Filipinos share their daily life activities on social media, and having a serious relationship is a highlight event.

◾ Build a strong social network to protect yourself, and hire a legal advisor (Private Attorney) who is worthy of your trust.

◾ As long as you are not a professional investor or married to a Filipina (for 5+ years) and/or have children in the Philippines - don't buy, always rent.

◾ Age gap isn't an issue as long as you pay the bills. Fill the gap with your true personality, and remember that love has different shapes, and expiration (in some cases).
◾ 70% of the minimum monthly salary rate in the Philippines - is the maximum financial support, to be given monthly. Always, keep proof of payment.
The remaining 30% is allocated to purchasing health insurance for your Filipina, her children (if she is a single mother), and her parents. In addition, double the monthly amount must be paid as financial support every Christmas. Also, don't forget - gifts to her family members on their birthdays, and to offer support at funerals.

​◾ The word "no" is important and should be used sometimes. People (in all countries) respect those who have the ability to say "no".
◾ Most Filipinas (girls/women) prefer white men – Why? Simply for three reasons:

    1/3 Historical Reason
Fair skin symbolizes material comfort and prosperity, and not having to work under the scorching sun (in farms or manual labor).

    2/3 Religious Reason
The majority of Filipinos are Catholic, and thus familiar with images of Jesus (a white man with light-colored eyes). This creates an emotional attachment to the image of God in the Filipina's mind, as it represents security and support.

    3/3 Cultural Reason
International media portrays and glorifies the white man as superior.

However, currently, Filipina's perception of white men is gradually changing due to interaction and exchange with other cultures and nationalities. Consequently, a growing awareness is developing every day.

​◾ The best solution (to avoid love scam) is to sign a relationship contract (to be notarized), then live-in with your Filipina for a period of time (to be registered in the Barangay), till you are sure, then get married (sign a marriage contract), if marriage is your goal.

If you need professional help and support, please feel free to book a consultation.