Warnings & Updates

PHILIPPINE TRAVELERS INTERNET SCAMS and other WARNINGS, TIPS & UPDATES!

Update for 2009

HOW MUCH IS A BASIC CELL PHONE?

Since this is one of the most asked questions, it is probably important to advise you that a basic, no frills cellular phone can almost always be found for 3,000 php. (Philippine Pisos). One example is the brand called BIRD (R). There are also cheaper NOKIA Cell Phones, such as a NOKIA (R) Model 3310 available for a cost of under 2,000 to 3,000 PHP. If the lady you have not met yet is bugging you for a CellPhone, one of the best "dodges" is to just tell her you intend to purchase yourself a cell phone when you arrive, so that you can stay in touch with the office, friends and family in states, and that when you return, you will hand it to her at the airport so you can stay in touch with her. Remember that the phone you pay for if you have never met her, will probably be used for OTHER guys to call her also! We are also aware of cases wherein the lady on the internet actually outfitted her entire family with cell phones paid for by foreign guys. (Note: In the Philippines, when you purchase a cell phone, that also includes the SIM card which provides the phone number and allows INSTANT use of the phone.) All that's left is for her (or you) to purchase a 300 piso load for the phone. (Travel Tip: When traveling in the Philippines, I strongly advise that you keep at least 300 pisos load (credit) in your phone, and always carry at least one extra phone card in your wallet! It never fails that your phone will run out of credit (load) when you are someplace that does not sell load cards.)

THE SCAM: WHAT’S IN A NAME?

First, remember that most Filipina (Pinay) are wonderful, hardworking, loving, caring and loyal ladies. However, this next scam was discovered recently while we were checking out a lady in Mindanao.

Have you ever seen two girls in two different cities with two different names who just seem to look somewhat alike? Well, believe it or not it may be the same lady! (Which begs the question, “how can one lady be in two or more different cities at the same time?” She can’t! )

Now, in order to understand this dilemma (and scam) you must first know and understand that in the Philippines no matter where the phone was purchased and registered in the Philippines, that it is good and it will ring and she can answer in any city, province or island, and you will never know the difference! It is so easy for a lady in the Philippines to say she is in one location and yet be on a completely different island! So the lady you think is in Cebu, Mindinao or Leyte, may actually have an apartment in Manila!

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