How to avoid being Scammed

The majority of Filipina singles are genuine and serious about finding a partner; unfortunately a few of them turn out to be scammers.

I know many happily married Western/Filipina couples who met via the Internet, so don't get paranoid about scammers - there is no shortage of honest Filipina singles.

Filipino scams aren't complex traps like Nigerian scams. Most Filipino scammers are easy to spot - they are little more than Online beggars, working on the principle of low value, high volume scamming. Typically this involves asking a victim to send a small amount of money to buy food, pay school fees, Internet access, hiring a private room with a webcam etc etc.

The golden rule is simple. To be scammed you have to send money. Do not send money to anyone you meet online.

Here's a few do's and don'ts to stay safe online:

• Steer clear of Chat Rooms - they're not policed.
• Stick to a reputable Dating Website such as FilipinaCupid.com.
• Don't brag about how much money you have.
• If it seems to good to be true - it probably is to good to be true!
• If a Filipina tells you it's love at first sight - run!
• If a Filipina trys to move things along very quickly - run!
• Filipinas are conservative. That 'accidental' flash when she leans forward is not an accident.
• Filipinas are conservative. Too much cleavage is a danger sign.
• Do not be taken in by hard luck stories... however convincing.

Almost all Filipino scams follow the same pattern. The Filipina will win your friendship - then comes the hard luck story to get your sympathy. Here are some examples: Her husband/partner was killed in a car crash. She was scammed over an overseas work deal. Next she'll turn up the pressure a bit.... she's spending her food money in the Internet Cafe chatting to you. Still there? now here comes the scam. She can't afford both; if you want to keep chatting - send money. Some scammers ask for school fees, medicine, food...  anything which will cost no more than pocket change for a Westerner.

Of course, some Filipino scammers are ambitious, so expect requests too for medical treatment (usually for a dying relative) or emergency house repairs (the roof was lost in a typoon etc.).

A Filipino scammer will become obvious very quickly. Revealing clothing, lack of attention and hard luck stories should start the alarm bells ringing straight away - Run!. A Filipina single serious about marriage will not ask for money.

However convincing - Do not send money to anyone you meet online.