By Alec Go
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned anew on Tuesday, Feb. 14, individuals seeking romance online to be cautious about love scams or syndicates targeting Filipino women on the internet.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the bureau has received a number of reports from victims of syndicate members who pose as foreigners looking for Filipino partners.
“In many cases, the fake foreigner would claim to fly to the Philippines to meet or marry their victim,” Tansingco said, noting that the victims are given gifts and promises of marriage and foreign travel.
“However, upon the scammer’s supposed flight to the Philippines, he will claim that he is being held by immigration or by other government agencies,” he added.
The victims will be deceived by scammers to deposit large sums of money for their release from detention.
The BI noted that scammers in previous cases have pretended to be officials of the bureau.
These bogus personalities then demand money from victims for the release of their supposed partners who claim that they are being held for carrying large amounts of money.
“We are worried that many would continue to be victimized, especially during the valentine season,” Tansingco said.
“Be alert, and be wary of people you meet online. Always double check and verify with authorities to know if the story that they are telling you is true,” he added.
– gb
