The person wants to visit me in the Philippines but asks for money for the ticket or visa. Is that a scam?
Yes, in almost every case. A person who can afford to travel to meet you does not need your money for the ticket, and no visa, airport or "travel allowance" fee is paid to a partner's GCash account. The trip is the hook; the money is the goal.
The script has variations: the ticket is booked but a "travel tax" is missing, the person was stopped at the airport and needs a fee, the money for the trip is frozen in a bank, or the visa agent needs a deposit. Each payment is followed by a new problem. The visit never happens.
What to check
- Any request for money connected to a trip is a warning sign, however small.
- Ask for a video call before any talk of travel. If it never happens, there is no trip.
- Do not pay anything to a travel agent, customs office or airline chosen by the person.
- Do a reverse image search on the photos and check the number: this scam almost always uses a stolen identity.
- If you already sent money, contact GCash or your bank and report it.
Frequently asked questions
- The person showed me a flight booking with my name on it. Is that proof?
- No. A booking screenshot can be made in minutes. Proof is the person standing in front of you.
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