If it’s too good to be true, watch out

MANILA, Philippines—If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

This was the message of the US Department of State to Americans worldwide—including over 300,000 based in the Philippines—as it warned them against international financial scams, many of which are initiated through the Internet.

In a recent report posted on the website of the US Embassy in Manila, the Washington DC-based agency said its Consular Affairs Bureau receives daily calls about international scams supposedly involving grandparents, dating and romance, work permits and lotteries.

The report said many of these scams originate online, with victims ranging from 18 to 81 years old and coming from all socio-economic backgrounds.

According to the State Department, such schemes have long existed but they have become more widespread with the use of the Internet. Americans have reportedly lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on these scams.

“All types of advance-fee scams have one point in common—the targeted person is led to believe that he or she has a chance to attain something of very great personal value—like financial rewards or a romantic relationship in return for a small up-front monetary outlay,” it said.