PHL post in Guangzhou warns vs online dating scam

The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou has warned against an Internet scam involving dating sites. In a release Friday, the Consulate said it has received numerous complaints about Filipinas in online dating sites targeting American, British, Australian and German nationals. “These alleged Filipinas are workers supposedly based in China who befriend the prospective victim through the website," stated the release posted from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The Consulate explained that when the Filipina is due to leave China to meet with the prospective victim, she then claims that she is being held at the airport by local customs and immigration officials due to an unfinished employment contract. In some cases, alleged customs and immigration officials likewise contact the victim and demand payment for the release of the Filipina. “As much as US$6,000 [is] demanded from the victims by the supposed customs and immigration officials for the release of the alleged Filipinas. Some travel agencies are also said to be involved in the scam," the DFA explained. The websites then cease to be accessible as soon as the scam is reported to Chinese authorities, and phone numbers listed on such websites are found to be no longer working. The DFA noted, however, that such a modus operandi continues in other online dating sites. Relating his experience with one such site, asiandating.com, a complainant said he met two individuals who tried to extort money from him through the website. “There are official procedures for the notification of arrests and detention in foreign countries. We have reported the matter to Guangdong officials. Those who are behind this scam should desist from these illegal and shameful activities," the Consulate General said in the same statement. Reiterating its warning to the public, the Consulate asked prospective victims to seek proper advice before committing money to anyone they meet in similar online dating services.—Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV