By: Rahndal Rico and Joana Viray (University of the Philippine – Baguio Interns)
A 69-year-old man from Baguio City lost over one million pesos to a woman he met online who promised him love, and a package filled with money and jewelry.
The victim, who asked to be identified only as “Baba,” said the scam began when he received a friend request earlier this year from a woman claiming to be a soldier stationed in Yemen.
“I didn’t respond at first,” Baba recalled. “She just sent a friend request, then shared her life story, saying her parents and husband had died and she was a single mom.”
Eventually, the woman expressed interest in starting a relationship with him.
At first, Baba was overjoyed. But when the woman started asking for money, his family grew suspicious.
Despite their warnings, he continued sending money.
The woman promised to send him a package containing two million dollars and jewelry, but he never received anything.
“She said I wouldn’t have to pay for anything,” he said. “But when the package supposedly arrived, they started asking me for payment.”
That’s when it dawned on him, he had been scammed.
“I was so stressed,” Baba said. “I had to pay hospital bills and I spend about 2,000 pesos a day on caregivers. It’s overwhelming.”
His case has since been reported to the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit Cordillera (RACU-CAR).
“This type of scam usually starts with someone pretending to be a foreigner,” said PSMS Rhea Kiniway, chief investigator of RACU-CAR. “They gain your trust, then ask for money for a supposed business or package.”
According to RACU, they have recorded 21 package scam cases and 8 love scam cases in the region from 2022 to 2025.
Elderly people are often the targets.
“They’re online more often and looking for companionship,” Kiniway added. “Unfortunately, that makes them vulnerable.”
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Baguio Director Atty. Reg De Guzman echoed the concern.
“Many senior citizens know how to browse the internet, but not necessarily how to spot scams,” he said. “It’s sad because they are often retirees or still supporting their families.”
Baba now hopes his experience serves as a warning to others.
Kiniway concluded, “It’s okay to chat with people online, but the moment they start asking you for money, that should be a red flag.”
