A 78-year-old man named Laurence Pang recently appeared on the Filipino public affairs program "Raffy Tulfo in Action," revealing a cautionary tale of deceit and romance gone wrong. Laurence shared how he fell victim to a love scam, losing approximately 1.5 million pesos ($34,800) after meeting a woman named Mika on the Filipino dating site, Pinalove. The incident underscores the vulnerability of individuals seeking companionship online and the sophisticated tactics used by scammers to exploit their victims.
Laurence's ordeal began when he was introduced to Mika, who lured him with promises of love and lucrative profits. Convincing Laurence to invest in a fictitious online shopping mall, Mika assured him of a 10% commission on each purchase. The scheme required Laurence to pre-purchase products, promising substantial returns. Mika further persuaded him by showcasing her alleged profits, claiming she was "making good money."
Entranced by her charm and promises, Laurence invested more funds, eventually losing over $27,000 in cryptocurrency.
"She used her charms, let's put it this way," Laurence admitted during his appearance on the program.
To protect himself from further deception, Laurence discreetly took a screenshot of Mika during a video call. Once he realized the truth behind the scam, he ceased all communication with her.
In a show of empathy and responsibility, Raffy Tulfo, the host of "Raffy Tulfo in Action," offered to sponsor Laurence's stay in the Philippines and provide him with a daily allowance. This gesture aimed to alleviate some of the financial burden Laurence faced due to the scam. Furthermore, Tulfo committed to assisting Laurence in pursuing justice by accompanying him to file a complaint with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group. The group was also invited to speak on the show, shedding light on the scammers' tactics.
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group explained that scammers often prey on their victims' emotions, gaining sympathy and trust before encouraging them to invest in cryptocurrency schemes. These fraudulent activities have become increasingly prevalent, highlighting the importance of vigilance when engaging in online interactions.
Laurence's case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking on dating websites. As he prepares to leave the Philippines on Tuesday, January 21st, he hopes that by sharing his experience, others will be spared from similar predicaments. The combined efforts of public awareness and law enforcement are vital in preventing such scams from claiming more victims.
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