The Daily Tribune
BI warns vs online ‘love scams’ anew
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a warning to the public about the prevalence of online love scams, especially during the Valentine's season.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that scammers often pose as foreign nationals who have been arrested by immigration officials upon arrival in the Philippines.
These fraudsters invent stories to convince victims that they are in danger and need immediate financial assistance.
Commissioner Viado clarified that the BI does not handle incoming currency, personal belongings, or demand payments over the phone.
A common scam involves a scammer pretending to be a foreign national in love with a victim, claiming to be detained at the airport for carrying expensive items and demanding money for release.
One victim lost P70,000 after being told her overseas fiancé was arrested for money laundering crimes.
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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intensified its efforts to prevent Filipinos from being trafficked to work in scam hubs abroad, following the interception of 118 individuals in 2024.
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Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged local government units and law enforcement agencies to strengthen measures against love scams targeting both locals and foreigners.
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The Presidential Anti Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) revealed that approximately 5,000 Australian nationals have been victims of a love scam syndicate based in the Philippines, with an estimated loss of AUS $24 million.
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The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intercepted 14 Filipino victims of catphishing schemes within two days, raising alarm over rising trafficking cases.
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VFS Global, a visa outsourcing firm, is warning Filipinos about a surge in visa fraud and scams amid increasing outbound travel demand.
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