Thousands of people around the world have had a tough year due to online crime originated in the Philippines. Unfortunately, the Philippines authorities have not been able to stop, or even reduce, the cases of online fraud and scam in this country. Given that there is not much a person can do once they have become a victim, the best option is prevention.  Professional  investigators in the Philippines are offering some advice and education on avoiding online scammers.

Protect your identity and personal information online

Before even thinking of opening an account in a dating website or a social media platform, consider that protecting your identity and personal information is the first step into being safe. Filipina dating websites are amongst the most popular worldwide. Men from many different countries are attracted to Filipinas, and many of them will try to find love online. If you already have dating profiles created and participate in social media, it is time to go over your information.

For online dating, being anonymous is the ideal situation. Choose a username that doesn’t let everyone know who you are. Don’t include your surname or any other identifying information such as your place of work either in your profile or when you first make contact. Make sure that the information added in these profiles is general and does not contain important personal data like an address. Do not share family information like names of your children, or pictures that can identify too well your house or assets. You know what is really valuable for you, so protect that. Online scammers use the information you give them against you, either to manipulate you or to threaten and blackmail you.  The less a criminal knows about you, the better.  If you do not know if the Filipina you met online is legitimate and someone you can trust, then do not share your personal information with her.

Be cautious and patient

You might be trying to buy something online, or have met someone you like, or have found a great business deal. Regardless of the case, being prudent is the best way to go. Do not make decisions out of eagerness and do not take big steps before verifying. Many victims of dating scam, for example, have moved quickly in their decisions thinking that dating websites have screened and filtered their users. There is a limit to an online dating provider’s ability to check the backgrounds of users and verify the information they provide. They cannot do a criminal records check on every user. And a person can become a problem without having a record. Therefore, don’t get a false sense of security because you’re on a dating site (or in a business scenario, on a certain commercial site). A background check in the Philippines will only take days to be completed, and it can save you a lot of trouble.

Get professional assistance

Unfortunately, scammers in the Philippines are good at their job. Online researches will most likely confuse you even more. Creating false content online can be very easy. Professional investigators in the Philippines will have access to the main sources of official information in the country, they speak the language and will go directly to the sources of information. Hire an investigator that can deliver real evidence, and avoid being tricked by internet references that can be created by anyone.

It is time to start investing a little more time and resources on prevention, because it is the best way to stop online scam. Contact us today for a professional and discreet investigation.

C. Wright
© 2016 Philippine PI

© Copyright 2016 Philippine PI.  All Rights Reserved.  This content is the property of Philippine PI, LLC and is protected by United States of America and international copyright laws.