Ref. No.: Advisory-BKPE-16-2023
The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok reminds the Filipino Community in Thailand to be aware of the so-called “Romance Scam.”
While online dating and social media platforms have become popular tools for finding love and friendship, they have also become deceptive tools for scheming romance scammers. It is critical that netizens understand how to protect themselves in the digital dating space.
Romance scams, also known as dating scams, occur when fraudsters use fake online identity in social media platforms to defraud those who are looking for love or friendship into giving them money, personal information, or gifts.
The scammers' goal is to establish a relationship with their victims as quickly as possible, endearing themselves to them in order to gain their trust.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming a victim of romance scams:
- Limit what you share and post In social media applications. Scammers can use social media and dating sites to better understand you;
- Research the person's photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere;
- Ask a lot of questions. Scammers will often try to get you to move quickly;
- Protect your personal information. Scammers may ask for personal financial information (e.g. bank account number or credit card number) or inappropriate photos;
- Be cautious if you have not met in person. If they keep promising to meet you face to face but always have an excuse to cancel, it should already raise a red flag; and
- Do not send them money. Never send funds to someone you have only communicated online.
You may visit https://itms.pnp.gov.ph to download learning materials regarding cybersecurity. Should you have any inquiries or concerns, you may contact ISSD at (+632) 8723-0401 local 6546 or you may send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Source: https://itms.pnp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/CA23-03-Romance-Scam.pdf
