Some of the scams or fraud are no more than the Filipinos wanting to believe something that is not really true
Scam alert in the Philippines.
We all get involved in allowing a scam sometimes. We all know that street DVD of the latest cinema film going on sale for p200 is not real. We may buy it and we have just scammed the film company out of revenue. The fake watches and brands are everywhere in the Philippines despite the politicians saying they will not allow it. Mostly these are just words on a Bill or a great soundbite. The truth is that the Philippines like many parts of Asia is awash with fake products and services and scams.
Some of the scams or fraud are no more than the Filipinos wanting to believe something that is not really true. For examples there is T-Bone steaks available for a few pesos or caviar on a plate for a handful of pesos. No matter how I try and tell my friends that these cannot be real they refuse to accept it and tell me that it is real.
Here are some warnings that come from The New Zealand Foreign Affair and Trades Website for the Philippines.
Taxi scams
Taxis are the recommended form of public transportation in the Philippines, but you need to take some precautions:
- Don’t enter a taxi if there is anyone other than the driver in it.
- Before getting in a taxi check that the doors can be locked from the inside, otherwise you’re vulnerable when stopped in traffic.
- Check the back seat to make sure that no-one is hiding on the floor.
- Ensure the doors can be opened from the inside.
- Request that the meter is used (sometimes a taxi driver might request a cash payment instead of using the meter).
- Take a mental note of the licence plate number.
- Once in the taxi conspicuously text the number of the taxi to someone, or at least pretend to do so. Remember to text the contact when you have arrived safely.
- When driving in the city, make sure that the doors are locked and the windows rolled up.
- If the driver is unwilling to comply with your requests, it is best to wait for another cab.
Credit card fraud
You should be vigilant when using credit cards. One common form of credit card fraud uses an electronic device to retrieve and record information, including the PIN, from the card’s magnetic strip. The information is then used to make unauthorised purchases. To limit your exposure to this scam, never let you card out of your sight.
When using cards in ATMs choose a machine that is attended by guards or in a busy place. Look to see that the ATM has not been tampered with. Cover your hand when entering your PIN.
Other scams and frauds
Inheritance scam letters and pyramid game scams are also frequently received via email.
New themes and variations for conducting scams are constantly appearing. Visitors and residents should be alert to being targeted by even the friendliest of people, whether locals or foreign nationals.
John is a very young 56 who has lived in the Philippines for over ten years and makes his living online as an SEO consultant and copy writer along with other onliner resources. John has lived in Davao, Manila and in Puerto Galera and has become an honoury Filipino. His hobbies include traveling and 1970s culture
Lee says
December 19, 2014 at 6:55 pmIt’s good to know that someone is looking out for people because the more scams people fall into the more money people lose.
Chasrand says
December 2, 2015 at 6:58 pmFake stuff is everywhere, has been for decades.
Back in the 70s in the UK I could buy fake Rolex and fake Gold Sovereigns etc.
Credit card hacking goes on all over the World, had mine hacked a few years ago in the UK.
Wherever you are, stay alert and be street smart.
BFiskilis says
December 3, 2015 at 5:43 amScams is big business today, where ever u go they are rife.
I lived in Greece for a few years and it wasn’t that bad back in 85, but now its shocking same as everywhere else.
ive never been done as yet and im always cautious , i suppose its a mater of time really as they are getting better and better. like u mentioned Chasrand stay alert and cautious..