Menu
Philippines
34 scams
A beautiful archipelago of islands, you can find great beaches, pristine lagoons, warm and friendly locals, adventures and getaways all in Philippines.
Unfortunately, at certain tourist attractions, you need to keep your guard up against touts, criminals and some transport providers.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies: 911
Travel resources
Snatch thefts in Philippines
6 4How it works: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Jeepney/car/taxi/bus: snatching valuables through a window at traffic lights/crowded traffic. Driving: throwing eggs/liquid/some substance onto your windscreen….
Read more…
Ativan gang family scam in Philippines
5 1How it works: Opening: a local befriends you, and once rapport is built, invites you for a meal with his family. Set-up: you meet the family and they show really warm…
Read more…
Massage scams in Philippines
5 1How it works: Opening: at a red light distract, a ladyboy/woman offers you a massage at cheap prices. Version 1: the massage is given, but during the massage, your unattended…
Read more…
Fraudulent tour agents in Philippines
5 0How it works: Opening: unofficial “agents” (e.g. driver, street/each tout) will get you to sign up a tour with them. Version 1: you pay everything upfront and they then disappear….
Read more…
Sob story scammers in Philippines
5 4How it works: Version 1: claims to have been robbed and needs money for transport to the police station or embassy. Version 2: a mom claiming that she needs cash…
Read more…
Home gambling scam in Philippines
5 2How it works: Opening: a stranger asks where you are from, then claims to have a relative going there. He invites you to his place for a meal, hoping you can…
Read more…
Kawasan Falls scams in Philippines
4 0How it works: Scam 1: fake parking attendants will ask you for a parking fee of 50 pesos. Scam 2: an unofficial guide or fake police officer insists that you…
Read more…
Would you like a drink bar scam in Philippines
4 0How it works: Opening: a friendly local befriends you and offers to bring you to a bar full of beautiful ladies. Version 1: there, ladies order expensive drinks on your…
Read more…
Taxi scams in Philippines
3 7How it works: Version 1: claim that the meter is spoilt and so charge an inflated flat fare, or forgetting to turn on the meter. Version 2: rigged meter (batingting)…
Read more…
Bump and drop scam in Philippines
2 0How it works: A scammer carrying a spoilt item stops suddenly, causing you to bang into him. He drops the spoilt item, accuses you of damaging it and then demands…
Read more…
Romance scam in Philippines
2 2How it works: Version 1: you meet someone offline whom you build a relationship over time. As the relationship gets stronger (with visits to family members included), money will be…
Read more…
Money changer scams in Philippines
2 0How it works: Opening: money changers at secluded areas put a sign or hire a tout on the main road to advertise good exchange rates. Version 1: they provide many…
Read more…
Unlicensed taxis in Philippines
2 1How it works: If you are lucky, you only have to pay an inflated flat fare. If you are unlucky, you may be driven somewhere secluded and be robbed or…
Read more…
SIM card deceptive advertising in Philippines
2 0How it works: Situation: this is a deceptive advertising trick by SIM card retailers at the Puerto Princesa International Airport. It was kindly shared with the site by Roxanne at…
Read more…
Sex scam in Philippines
2 1How it works: Opening: At night clubs/bars, an attractive female shares her sob story of drifting apart from her abusive husband. She claims to be in desperate need for some…
Read more…