bookwormlady blog post

To those who believe in love

If you’re dreaming of meeting someone kind, there is nothing wrong with joining a dating site and falling in love with someone from another country. Many beautiful relationships have begun that way. But hope should never replace caution. A few days ago I read an article about a scam that has become more common than many people realise. It explained how criminals create fake online identities on dating websites and social media. They present themselves as sincere, successful and caring. They spend weeks or even months building trust. They ask about your family and make you believe that you are special. Then the conversation changes. Suddenly they have wonderful news. They can help you move abroad. They know of a job opportunity in Canada. Or perhaps in the United States. They send what look like official contracts. Everything appears genuine. Then comes the request. You need to pay for visa processing. The amount may seem reasonable. And because you believe the man who has been speaking to you every day, you send the money. By the time you realise the truth, both the money and the man have disappeared.
To every Filipina reading this, please remember something. A man who genuinely cares about you will never pressure you to send money. If someone refuses to video chat, always has excuses, hides his face, avoids telling you about his life or becomes defensive when you ask simple questions. If someone promises you a job overseas, don't rely on his words alone. Verify the opportunity through the appropriate Philippine government agencies before believing anything you receive online. A few minutes of checking could save months of heartache. I know these words may sound cautious. But I would rather see a woman miss one dishonest man than lose her savings and her belief in love because someone chose to deceive her.