Online dating is booming in the Philippines, with more people than ever using apps to find love. But behind the romance and sweet messages, there’s a growing dark side—scammers targeting victims with lies, fake profiles, and promises they never intend to keep.
If you’re chatting with someone in Manila from halfway across the globe, you need to be aware that romance scams are on the rise—and the Philippines has become a hot spot.
Romance Scams: A Growing Problem
According to a statement from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, romance scams are among the top online crimes reported in the country. Scammers often pretend to be single attractive women looking for a real love connection. Their goal? To build trust, start a virtual relationship, and eventually ask for money.
The global trend is just as worrying. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that imposter scams losses accounted to $2.95 billion USD… in only one year and counting only U.S. victims!
Why the Philippines?
The Philippines is often used as a base for scam operations. Why?
- English fluency makes it easier to communicate with victims worldwide.
- Social media and dating app use is high, increasing the number of potential victims.
- Cross-border relationships are common, which makes international scams easier to pull off.
Surprisingly scammers don’t just target foreigners—they also target Filipinos. Stories about people who were tricked into sending $10,000 to someone they met online who claimed to be a nurse in Cebu, or a single working mom in Manila, are common to Philippine PI investigators. Luckily, a professional background check investigation can reveal if they’re using their real identity, if the photos were stolen, or if they are married and simply manipulating their victims into sending money.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you’re using dating apps—especially in international relationships—look out for these warning signs:
- Scammers avoid video calls or limit this kind of communication to a certain place and time when they control the situation. They always have an excuse.
- They ask for money for emergencies, travel, or phones
- Their story sounds too perfect or moves too fast
- They say they love you before you’ve met in person
Philippine scammers know how to make people feel special. That’s what makes them so dangerous.
Protect Yourself from the Start
A dating background check in the Philippines can expose lies before it’s too late. At Philippine PI, we verify:
- Identity and photo verification
- Marital status and criminal record
- Employment and location history
- Known scam activity or aliases
Unlike quick online searches or automated tools, our background investigations are led by trained investigators with local access to official records in the Philippines. Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship or just started chatting with someone new, don’t ignore your gut feeling. A few clicks could lead to heartbreak—or worse, financial loss.
Romance should feel safe, not suspicious. If you’ve met someone on a dating app and aren’t sure they’re telling the truth, a confidential investigation could save you from months—or years—of deception. Contact us for a free and confidential quote.
C. Wright
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