The Philippines is both home to some of the hardest working people in the world, as well as a large number of scammers. The Philippines is the third major source of internet scams, along with the former Soviet Union countries, and countries in West Africa.
Here are some suggestions for weeding out the 'problem' ladies, and avoiding scams:
NEVER send money to somebody you only know from the 'net, or phone calls. NEVER!
A common scam via chat or email from the Philippines are 'emergency' type scams.
'I need money for rent'
'I need money for the electricity'
'My mother needs an operation'
'My sister needs medicine'
'A typhoon destroyed my house'
'I have no money for food'
and so on....
The internet is not free, or computers, also, in the Philippines. If the filipina has money to use an internet cafe, or money to support a home PC with internet connection.....she is not starving!
Some filipinas earn a living, or pick up spending money doing this. Don't be a chump!
A lady who hits you up for money, often in the first chat, or within the first few chats, is not serious about landing a western Husband.
Expect and demand to see a face on webcam!
You are going to feel pretty stupid when you find out you expressing love for a gay man, ladyboy, or a dumpy pinay housewife with 5 kids, who are using stolen pictures of a cute, younger lady, aren't you?
It is also possible, and more common, for scammers to feed a recording of a pretty lady over the webcam, you need to learn some tricks to detect this.
The messageboard at Dragonladies.org can help you!
Look for a Filipina with a 'normal' job.
This means she is not online day and night, (the internet is her job, right?) and is less likely to hit you up for money. Likewise, avoid the ones online, too much.
Be aware this is no divorce in the Philippines.
There is only annulment, which is costly. Some filipinas are online, hoping some western man will foot the bill. Sadly, the cost of an annulment is equal to a year or more of average wages in the Philippines, and the proceedings don't always end well. There are some very nice 'separated' ladies, but be careful, and think hard before you help them with annulment costs.
It's not uncommon for a husband in the Philippines to abandon a wife and family, and start another.
It's also not uncommon for the missing husband to reappear when he finds out the wife has a western suitor, and there may be adultery charges, or bribes to face. Be warned!It's not fair for the ladies, but it's not our country, and we can't change it.
Don't fall in love with a porn site 'cam girl'.
This almost always ends up in trouble. They make a living at manipulating men. You may think you are 'rescuing' her from a sordid life, but too often, they don't really want to be rescued. Many are married or have a boyfriend they don't tell you about..as well as children. Some will take you to a cleaners, coo lovingly at you on cam, and in emails, and laugh behind your back, while handing the money you sent them, to the real husband or boyfriend.
So you want to 'help' her financially, or her family?
This is another problem area, and even some 'good' girls can get out of hand.
Don't consider giving any money until you have met in person.
If you are in a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage, then you can consider helping with a modest amount.
Be warned, a western boyfriend or husband is considered to be a family asset. 'Family' will come out of the woodwork wanting handouts, or financial help.
This is somewhat cultural, but abused when a 'kano' is involved.
You need to be aware of the real income, and living expense where the girl lives, and not be taken advantage of.
The girl and family were probably not starving before you met her, It is nice to help the family with a modest amount of money, and expected of you to replace the money she was earning and sending to the family, but be careful.
This is not being 'cheap'. You can't buy love, but too often one of the problems in a western/filipina marriage or relationship, is the outstretched hands of the extended family.
Paid dating sites don't seem to be any safer.
I suggest you use 'free' dating sites, but with caution, and be prepared to walk away from a 'problem' lady.
Datingnmore.com is a safe, free site, run by an anti-scam expert, and has an array of real, asian ladies.
I suggest you try datingnmore.com!
Keep the age gap reasonable!
Yes, you will see old men with young filipinas, and you will be told it is culturally acceptable. Actually, it's culturally 'understood'.
The old man means money, and maybe will be a prized new member of a poor Pinoy family, as long as the money lasts.
Research the procedures for getting a Visa for the lady to your country, and don't get tricked by 'visa' scams, or shortcuts.
In the USA, you will need to meet the lady in person, before you can apply for a visa for her.
Some scams surround taking 'shortcuts' to a visa...avoid these.
'I can come there on a tourist or business visa....and we can marry'.
Illegal, improbable, and you are setting yourself up for a scam, or severe problems with Immigration.
If you are a US Citizen, marriages or prospective marriages between a Man and a much younger filipina, are screened more seriously at the Consulate in Manila.
Let's look at this realistically...how long do you think a 20 year old Filipina is going to stick around in a marriage to a 60-70 year old man? How long will listening to her sing along with 'Justin Bieber' off key be charming?
Many young asian 'brides' come to the USA, and meet with abuse at the hands of the older husband, and or lose interest in the old man as soon as they get a green card.
Green card scams
They're hard to avoid. Some Filipinas willingly seek out 'marriages of convenience' and pay $20-30000 US, just to get legal residency.
Do you want to be an easy way for some enterprising Pinay to get a green card?
It's possible for her to claim abuse, and be home free for a green card on her own, (Without your help) almost as soon as she lands in the US on a K1 or married visa.
There are more provisions and loopholes that help the foreign bride, than the US Citizen husband, and many of them know every one of them.
I'm not condoning abuse of the lady, or abuse of the US Citizen husband. Both need to be careful!
One reason for my work as a 'scambaiter' over the years is to help real and decent people. I'm happy when two people meet via the bizarre mess we call the internet, and move on to live a happy life together.
The internet allows us to meet new and maybe exotic people we'd not normally have a chance to. Use it carefully!
Check out Dragonladies.org for more help with 'Asian' online dating, and scams!
