THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday warned netizens against online swindlers using romance as a scheme to prey particularly on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The warning came following a report of a Filipina based in Switzerland who was victimized by her “rich foreigner boyfriend,” who extorted around CHF 40,000 (Swiss francs), or an estimated P2.5 million from her through her savings and personal loans.
“We are appealing to our countrymen not to be deceived by online romance or love scams. Don’t be deceived by sweet words from people you have not met. They have victimized a lot from other countries. Be vigilant and value your hard-earned money and savings,” according to the report from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Geneva.
According to the report, the modus operandi involves a “rich foreigner” who woos a potential victim.
Once the victim’s confidence is gained, the foreigner asks for money with a promise of sending a bigger amount in return by courier.
The DMW is also urging the public to report any suspicious activities pertaining to online illegal recruitment to the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau through its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/airbranch or email at [email protected] and also through their hotline number: 8721-0619.
