From the Midwest redneck author of "The Rooster Crows at 4am!," "Lizard Poop!," and "The Philippines Expat Advisor"
Conclusion of The Cute Filipina Scammer!
Yesterday's story ended with the revelation that a cute, 19-year-old Filipina requested that I buy her a new laptop for 23,000 pesos, almost 525 USD! As I mentioned in yesterday's article, my Filipina wife and I were considering the possibility of operating an introduction service in the Philippines where interested foreigners would be introduced to Filipinas that would like to meet them. As I also stated, this venture would NOT be a marriage broker service, which is illegal in the Philippines. We could possibly help some ladies from the Philippines meet some guys that we have done background checks on before introducing them to any Filipinas. We also would have checked the backgrounds of the ladies to reduce the possibility of our guys from being scammed.
Thus, whenever my wife and I went shopping to nearby Iloilo City, we would talk to salesgirls at the malls and most of them expressed an interest in meeting foreigners. We then took their names and numbers and told them we would be in touch. The ladies were respectful and polite and were happy we had met them. However, one cute Filipina turned out to be quite the scammer.
I won't say what store the young lady, “Karen” (not her real name), worked at in SM City in Iloilo. I had gone into this particular establishment one day, however, as my wife was in a different part of the mall with our three-year-old niece that she was buying a new outfit for. As I walked into this business and stood looking at some Christmas trees on display, an attractive Filipina started speaking to me. I told the cute Filipina I was married to a beautiful (“maganda”) Filipina, and that many Americans would be interested in meeting Filipinas since Pinays already knew some English, and were sweet and kind ladies (for the most part.) “Karen” said she definitely would like to be introduced to some foreigners, and we exchanged cell phone numbers. She also gave me her email address and asked if I would add her as a Facebook friend.
I told my wife about “Karen”, and she mentioned she had also spoken to a young lady at Watson's Drug Store and had exchanged numbers with her, also. The next day I added “Karen” to my Facebook page and noticed she also participated in a Filipino folk dance group. From the numerous photos of her dance friends, it looked liked an activity she devoted a lot of time to. Later that day I received a text from her thanking me for adding her to Facebook. She mentioned that her computer needed to be replaced, and asked me to buy her a new laptop computer for 23,000 pesos so she could chat with me everyday! I could not believe the boldness of this young Filipina, and immediately sent her a reply that there was ABSOLUTELY NO WAY I was buying her a computer! I deleted her as a Facebook friend after I sent my text.
“Karen” persisted in sending me text messages, and said she was going to be fired from her job. I did not send her any replies, and eventually had to get a sim card with a different phone number for my mobile phone. Fortunately, I have not seen her at SM City since (maybe, she DID get fired.) So please, if you are on online with someone claiming to be a Filipina in need, or if you visit the Philippines, it would be wise to exercise some caution.
My wife and I have since decided to not pursue the introduction service since the problems with “Karen” along with other issues of the legality of such a venture. So what about you? Have you had an unpleasant experience online with a cute Filipina or have you traveled or presently live in the Philippines and encountered such a brazen girl as this “Karen?” If so, please leave me a comment and let me know. I've said before that the vast majority of Filipinas are honest, sweet, trusting ladies. But just like anywhere else in the world you will find scammers. Hope you will share your stories with me. It could help someone else to steer clear of any potential trouble.
Hi Dave,
I just read your part 1 and already put my comment there about brazen Filipinas:
http://www.philippinesplus.com/cute-filipina-dancer-wants-me-to-buy-her-a-laptop/comment-page-1/#comment-8411
Let me add that there are also a lot of women in Japan that would like a Caucasian boyfriend. It's not about money in Japan, more of a status symbol to have a foreign boyfriend. But the poverty in the Philippines (plus the status symbol) makes it more in your face. I think some Filipinos must think that women with a foreigner are loose women or prostitutes, my Filipina-Canadian girlfriend got some dirty looks (especially from other women) in Iloilo, but we didn't notice any dirty looks in Cebu or Boracay where inter-racial couples are more common.
Hi Dave,
I am married to a Gwapa Filipina now, but before we met, I talked with a woman who said she lived in Cagayan de Oro. The first week I talked with her she said it was her birthday the next week and was I going to buy her a present. That should have tipped me off there, but being a dumb Kano with many bold women in the US, I was not surprised by that request. We talked for several months and she had several "problems" during that time, and I started to get suspicious, I helped her out a few times with a little money, and then she started getting demanding and I told her I would not send her any more money until we met in person. She demanded I come right then, which was impossible. I asked her for address so I could send her a present and have it delivered (by a detective agency) and she refused. I then completely stopped our correspondences and moved on to find a wonderful person. I later found out through a Filipina friend that she was chatting with 5+ men at a time, had been investigated numerous times for scamming, and lived with a Filipino man the entire time. My advice to a man chatting with a Filipina is that if they ask for money (or presents) then that is what they are looking for, time to move on.
Hi Lance the Canadian,
Thanks for commenting. Interesting note about the Japanese women. Hope you single guys out there are reading this. If you’re not having much luck with girlfriends from where you currently live, then Japan and the Philippines are some possibilities. I think you are correct when you state that the situation in the Phils “makes it more in your face.” I have also posted, as you know, about the dirty looks my Filipina wife and I sometimes get when shopping in Iloilo, not so much at SM City, but in the areas near the downtown area. My wife likes to dress nice when we go out, and I’m sure the glares she sometimes got were from other Filipinas who had quite a negative view of my wife. Smartest thing I ever did though, was to marry her.
Let me also say that the fact that I married someone outside of the States infuriated some of the single ladies back in America. “Why don’t you find a girl here?” “What’s wrong with the ladies here?” Well, in response to that, my first wife (my Filipina wife is my second and last), an American, kicked me out of our house after only NINE MONTHS of marriage and threw my clothes out of the house (but had the decency to put them in garbage bags) and dumped them in our front yard. I did not physically abuse her nor did I cheat on her. Seems my step kids did not want me around anymore. I think divorce is too easy in America and some people give up too easily on marriage. Thankfully, my Filipina wife is understanding, patient, and beautiful (she does have a temper, though.)
Hi Richard D,
Great example of what I was talking about, the scamming Filipina. I have stated this before, and you have basically the same advice : IF A FILIPINA (ONLINE OR IN PERSON) ASKS YOU FOR MONEY (OR PRESENTS, AS RICHARD POINTS OUT), THEN RUN-–DO NOT WALK— AWAY FROM HER AS FAST AS YOU CAN!
Think with your brain, not with a certain part of your anatomy. Some of these scammers know what buttons to push.
Thanks for sharing this story, Richard. Glad you met the right one.
Dave:
Like the new layout… Much cleaner and easier on the eyes.
I might add to not give your mobile out to anyone here who you do not trust, particularly if you are married. I'm even suggesting taxi drivers and so on, or keep a separate phone / sim just for that purpose (I give people Rebecca's number and let her deal with it). People will often try to "fix you up" here, married or no. That taxi driver most likely has nieces, sisters, whatever, and you will get calls from out of the blue. I got into a problem with Rebecca when we first moved here and strange women were calling me on my phone. It took me a while to figure out what had happened.
As to facebook, that can also get you in trouble, too. Because I am all over the net, I routinely will accept friend requests… mostly related to LiP. These have bitten me a few times when the ladies have gone on to post suggestive pictures or send messages.
I didn't meet Rebecca online (I met her when we both lived in Abu Dhabi), and have never used chat or dating sites. I will say, however, that it is so easy to meet women here that people wanting a Filipina girlfriend or wife would be best off simply visiting here and seeing them in person. Forget the bars and KTV (Unless that is what you like): there are millions of women here looking for husbands. Though the anonymity of meeting someone online gives some security, that anonymity sword cuts both ways.
As to old guys with young wives… I'm leaving that one alone. A couple of years ago I mentioned in an LiP article about old goats with young girls and it got loads of indignant responses. (Someone wrote complaining that he was stared at frequently… He was over 70 and she was under 30… What did he expect????) My response was always: If it doesn't bother either of you, who cares? But don't complain if people look at you strange if there is a 40 year age difference. You would get the same look in the States with an American wife that much younger.
Hi John,
Thanks for the remarks about the new site. Quite a compliment coming from an “old” pro like yourself (check out John’s new website, “The Albularyo”, and find out all you need to know about Filipino folklore, healing, and mysticism.)
Great idea to have a separate sim card (only costs about P70 or $1.60 in USD.) I need to get a separate sim or just stop giving out my number. I know I started receiving strange texts like you mention when I had to give out my number for my new SM Advantage Card. Well, I thought I had to put it on my Advantage Card application. My wife has a separate card, and they never asked for her number she later told me. The next day I started receiving strange texts from girls in Iloilo. They kept saying they got my number off of a business card. That’s bullcrap because I don’t have business cards. It was more than just a coincidence that I start receiving the calls after I had filled out that application.
You are “spot on” with your advice about just coming to the Philippines to meet someone. Don’t bother with the online dating sites. Some are posting pictures of Filipina celebrities on their website (thanks to Lance the Canadian for that info.) Most are scammers. Several online articles I’ve seen said 70% of Filipinas (or “ladyboys”) online are scammers (don’t know how they came up with that figure.) You could meet dozens of nice ladies in just one week. Listen to John’s advice. Stay out of the bars and KTV (Karaoke Television, otherwise known as Videoke, the adult ones are strip clubs.) You can meet plenty of attractive young ladies at any mall in the Philippines.
“Old goats” with young girls. I like that one, John. You bet you will get stared at in the Philippines and America if you’re an old geezer like me (I’m 58), and hanging out with a 19-year-old cutie. But I agree with you, if it doesn’t bother either of you, than who cares? Thanks for your input, John. Good stuff!
I find this story very interesting. I met my Filipino wife through an introduction service before the online stuff; we had to write and mail real letters. Anyway, I wrote to another girl, too, at the time, who was extemely cute and young, but raised some caution flags on a couple of counts: She requested money for postage, not so bad. Then she requested money for college tuition. Had to say no to that one! She wanted to phone me, collect. Rates on the old landline were pretty expensive! And, she phoned often. Trouble is, she had someone else call and pretend to be her. I could hear her in the background telling the caller what to say. She would never answer my questions either, of the type that would allow me to get to know her better. The whole thing was too suspicious, plus she lived in Mindanao, so I figured I didn’t need the aggravation.
Now, regarding funny looks from people when I am out with my considerably younger wife (20 years), we get more stares and glares from women in America than in the Phils. I love it! They hate this growing trend! And, in my humble opinion, they deserve it. Girls in the U.S. grow up spoiled and selfish. This is strong stuff, but, if they weren’s such b—–s, didn’t get fat, and aged better, this wouldn’t be happening. I know this is true because we see more and more American guys with Asian girls here.
One final story: While visiting my in-laws in Nueva Ecija province, another relative of theirs dropped by and brought their daughter to “meet” me; right in front of my wife! They put us in a separate room to “talk” and get to know each other. Unbelievable! Anyway, enough rambling! Thanks for the space!
P.S. Where do you get these photos of young, beautiful Filipinas?!! You’re killing me!
Hi Monty Man, great to hear from you again. I met my Filipina wife through writing letters, also. A pen pal service. I had written several letters to different Filipina ladies. One Filipina working in Singapore suggested I pay for her calls. Fortunately I received a letter from Melinda, working in Taiwan, days after the Pinay from Singapore called. Next time the Filipina from Singapore called, I advised her I had already met “the one” for me. I have the feeling she would have asked me for a lot more than just money for her phone calls (which her employer probably paid for anyway.) You were so smart to cut off the relationship with the cute one scamming you for college tuition.
So you get the looks from the ladies in the States? How interesting. It IS becoming a growing trend to marry Filipinas or other Asian women, and you bring up some good points about American women.
Wow! That last story is wild? Those relatives were certainly bold. Man, that’s just crazy! Thanks for sharing this, Monty Man.
Usually get them from Flickr, Monty. Just search for “cute Filipina” when your asawa is not looking!
Dave,
There is a new article on HoboTraveler called “Wide White Women Wanted in Africa”. Here’s the link:
http://www.hobotraveler.com/travel-journal/wide-white-women-wanted-in-africa.html
Maybe you can pass it along to some of those infuriated single ladies back in America that you mentioned, LOL.
Hi Lance the Canadian. I’ll check out that link when I get from Iloilo City later today. I did see a National Geographic show once that talked about an African tribe which deliberately fattened up the girls from birth since a “wide woman” was highly prized as the best bride. Skinny runway models would not even get a second look there. Thanks for your comment!
Hey Dave,
I like your new blog. I have noticed your getting better and better with your layouts as time passes. Thanks for all the great and funny reads.
There are quite a few American(Navy), and Euro(Contractor) guys here in situations where they have a wife back home, yet a girlfriend to play around with here. The majority of these girls used to be Filipinas, but as of late, they seem to be Thai or Chinese, with a few being Indonesian. And yes, a lot of the guys are 50 or 60 yrs old with the girl being in her early to mid 20s. And dare I say, 97% are what we refer to as "working girls" if you know what I mean.
However, Filipinas here seem for the most part to have regular jobs. What I can not understand is; Why to Filipinas is it such a great thing in their minds to be seen with a Kano, knowing full well or ignorant of the fact that the chances of marriage is extremely small. We see them being used for several weeks or months, then being cut loose, only to see them with a different Kano a few weeks later being used all over again. Now, who would want to marry a girl who has been with so many men? You find this to be the case mostly with the younger Filipinas, who is either not experienced enough to know when they are being used or who simply do not care because they know sooner or later they will hook a fresh fish, green as a blade of green, and marry him before he knows what hit him. Older Filipinas from my exerience tend to be far more reserved, retaining nearly all the values passed on by their Filipino parents. They are great at making meals, loyal, as well as known for taking extremely good care of their man. Also, because they usually are NOT hanging out in the clubs, they tend to be able to hold far more intelligent and interesting conversations. They read a lot and are interesting in the future of the world as a whole.
Reference to fat white girls being desirable in Africa, Here is the thing you have to realize. Africa is a huge continent, nearly every country in Africa has a completely different culture, while others have very few similarities. Also, tribal African men and women are taught from birth that the man is the head, and should not be given face or back talk from the woman. Now, I ask you; What American woman have you ever met who could hold her tongue?? and who did not curse like a sailor. Yes, some tribal Africans find healther, or meatier looking women attractive because its a sign that she will probably provide many children. Also, tribal African women do most the lifting, carrying of goods to and from the markets, so this too is another reason they are more desirable. I have visited a number of African countries, and can tell you that outside its capital cities, nearly all the women are slim, and toned with strong postures. A fat white American woman would not find marriage in Africa nor would they find a African man willing to put up with their western beliefs concerning the husband versus wife role in the relationship. That being said, Yes, you will find many African men willing to marry a fat white American woman in order to get a US visa or green card.
Reference to scammers, Nationality really has nothing to do with whether or not the girl is a scam artist. Some are encouraged by a parent or siblings, while others learn it from a network of friends working the internet sites. Simply put, if a girl asks you for money, she is either a scammer or she is not of quality. If every time you log in to the net and she is online, she is either a scammer, lazy, addicted to chat, or is not of quality. If she has a reputation for being passed around, or hanging out in the clubs and discos, she is not of quality. If you find it difficult holding an intelligent, future minded conversation with her, then she either does not see a future with you or she is not of quality. If she is not involved or concerned about helping others, she is probably concerned only about herself and her family. If she does not hound you about keeping in touch with your kids, if you have them from a previous marriage, she is either not concerned about them or she is not of quality.
Lastly, How many celebrities do you see with young trophy wives on their arms? We all know how that works out. If you are the type of guy who needs to be seen with a very young cutie with nothing but empty space between her ears, then the last thing you need to be looking for is a long term relationship. Do we all desire a nice looking woman by our side, Heck Yes!!! and there is nothing wrong with searching for that initially, once found though, you have to take the time to research, get to know the inside of the woman, and be willing to accept the results of those findings. You can not possibly think that you can change a woman. Be prepared to walk away if you have ANY doubts. And remember, A great woman will leave no doubt as to who she really is and will have no problem fighting to protect her great values and beliefs.
**chow**
Whew, KenRay, you really gave quite a thorough response to this article! Thanks!
I have NO idea why so many Filipinas think it is such a big deal to be seen with a Kano. From what you said, and from what I’ve heard, many of these poor girls are just tossed aside after a few weeks, and the kano has some new girl with him. And I think you are probably correct when you mention that is the case with the younger Pinays. Are they that gullible to believe some guy that is just wants to use them? I don’t know if it is just the trusting nature of many Filipinas or a desperate attempt to climb out of the harsh poverty they are trapped in? I know so many of the young salesgirls I talk to at the SM Department Stores are working solely to support their family members. They give all of their salary to their loved ones, and sometimes do not even have enough food to eat for themselves. It’s very sad.
Now I was fortunate to marry my wonderful Filipina wife, one of the “older” Filipinas you mention, when she was 35. My asawa, Melinda, worked for years overseas providing for her family back in the Philippines. She has such great character. I admire the sacrifices she made (and continues to make as she has been married to a grumpy old Kano for over 10 years.) The “older” Filipina certainly does have much to offer.
You’ve made some interesting points about Africa and African women. You note that “tribal African men and women are taught from birth that the man is the head, and should not be given face or back talk from the woman.” That’s how it was in the 50′s when I was growing up. My how things have changed. But I do not want to say that things should be like that again in the States, lest my readers think I’m some male chauvinistic pig (frankly, I’ve been called worse than that.) That of course will never happen, but I believe some guys from America (and let me emphasize again, “some“) think they can come to the Philippines and turn their wives as slaves. I ran across a few of those back in Illinois, and some deserve to have their butts kicked.
Yes, scammers can come from any nationality, and yes, so many celebrities and powerful and rich guys have the young trophy wives. And you are 100% correct, you cannot change any woman. I have to admit I’ve tried to get my wife to get dressed quicker and get ready to go somewhere on time, but I’ve pretty much failed at that for the most part. But since we’re in the Philippines now, and everyone is on “Filipino” time, it really doesn’t matter. Some great comments, KenRay, thanks so much!
Finally found my way over to the new “digs” here. The subject of wanting money, especially online, is a standard joke with my )Filipina) wife and I. If something should ever happen that cut off my pension, or some other financial disaster were to befall us, we both joke that we’d go together to one of the internet cafe’s within easy walking distance of our house, and make a good living for ourselves soliciting “love money”. (there’s a reason even small local Internet cafe’s are often open 24 hours … check the time zones in the US and Europe and you can figure it out).
You think a guy couldn’t con US men (thinking with their “little head” out of money online? Believe me, I know it will work, I know of more than one Filipino guy who milks the ‘Net and none of them can tell as good a sob story as I can.
There’s a very simple rule (if only gullible Westerners would learn it), No Money, Honey!
Hi, Dave! Glad you could stop by and impart some of your wisdom. My pea brain never thought of why those 24 hour internet cafes are so prevalent in the Philippines, but now I know. Duh! I never thought of the time change thing. You are so right, however, “NO MONEY, HONEY!” Please listen to a couple of Dave’s, guys, and save yourself a lot of heartache and money. Watch out for the online scammers! Honestly, I think one of the best ways to meet the future love of your life in the Philippines is just come over and visit. There are plenty of honest, serious, attractive Filipinas that would really like to meet you.
We both agree on one thing … I’ve seen you mention it before, and I had a conversation wa few weeks ago with my wife and four or five girls in the men’s department at the SM department store here.
If you are so anxious and unsure of yourself that you thnk you have to “go looking”, then go to a major department stoire … especialy at shift change. Reasoning:
The ladies there all have birth certificates (this can be a big problem in some cases)
They all have NBI/police clearances
They all have graduated high school and college in many cases
They are legally unmarried
They all know how to fill up and submit application forms
They all know how to et out of bed and come to work at regular hours, etc.
Girls who spend their days as a GRO or Internet girls just don’t stack up in these areas … and if “love should blossom”, you want somebody who can mentally and morally qualify for a US visa.
Hate to sound like a cattle inspector, but the facts of life are the facts of life.
Good advice, Dave. Folks who want to seek legal employment in the Philippines do have to have clearance from the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) along with local barangay (village) police clearances. These ladies do come to work and work regular hours and are dependable. Many of them are on five months contracts. If they do a good job, they are sometimes rehired. Most are responsible, and like you say NOT working the computers in an Internet cafe looking for victims. Thanks for your insight, Dave, always some good gems of wisdom from you.
i have a wonderful 19 year old Gf,be with her next month,she always worries if i send her money that i have enough for myself.Any way i added one of her high school friends to my Fb i saw her their last week,she replied hi john then straight away asked for help to pay her tuition,i could not believe it did not tell my Gf as enough to think about,last month of college With my girl family do not want her to marry yet,thing her too young.My Gf not want some Filipino guy turn out like her father chickenboy.We meet online instant connection, 6 months and we can chat for hours,you u=just have to like life and take risks,oh by the way i am 51
Fearless Florida Frank says, ” If you can not find a beautiful Filapina Girlfriend Half your age you should think about setting yourself on Fire. There are many Beautiful Women in the Philippines that Do not ask for your money, and honestly just love your white skin. It seems to me that Blonde hair and Blue eyes are a Treasured asset also. But this is only my Opinion.
Yep, I agree Fearless Frank from Florida. If you can’t find a pretty pinay here you might as well fire up that grill right now and throw yourself on it. Hmmmm, I don’t have your blonde hair and blue eyes, Fearless, you definitely are a chick magnet. I do recall you saying that my dark hair and brown eyes made me look Filipino, and I blended in more. I don’t how much Tanduay Rhum you had consumed at that point, however.