Your complete guide to navigating international dating safely and confidently.
Our Unwavering Commitment to Your Safety
Welcome to your central hub for trust and safety. While we are an informational guide and not a dating platform, our mission is to empower you with the knowledge to protect yourself. We believe that a successful journey to finding love begins with a safe one. This resource center is filled with our best articles, videos, and checklists to help you recognize red flags, choose reputable platforms, and make your first in-person meeting a success.
Safe Online Practices
Your digital safety is paramount. Follow these core rules when communicating online.
- ✔ Guard Your Info: Never share financial details, your full home address, or other sensitive personal data.
- ✔ Use Video Chat: A live video call is the best way to verify someone’s identity. Be very wary of constant excuses.
- ✔ Trust Your Gut: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t ignore your intuition.
Recognizing Red Flags
Knowledge is your best defense. These are the most common signs of a romance scam.
- ✘ Requests for Money: The #1 red flag. Never send money for any reason (medical emergencies, visa fees, tickets).
- ✘ Love Bombing: Be cautious of someone who professes deep, undying love after only a few conversations.
- ✘ Refusal to Meet: A scammer will always have excuses for why they can’t meet in person or on a romance tour.
Your First Trip Safely
Meeting in person is an exciting step. Ensure it’s a safe and positive experience.
- ✔ Tell Someone: Share your complete itinerary with a friend or family member back home and check in daily.
- ✔ Meet in Public: Your first few dates should always be in public places.
- ✔ Control Your Logistics: Book your own hotel and arrange your own transportation. Do not stay with her on the first trip.
A Deeper Dive: Anatomy of a Romance Scam
Scammers are sophisticated, but their tactics are often predictable. Here are detailed breakdowns of the most common scams to watch out for.
1. The “Crisis” or “Sob Story” Scam
This is the most frequent tactic. After a period of “love bombing,” the scammer will invent a sudden, urgent crisis that requires your financial help. The stories are designed to pull at your heartstrings: a sick parent needing surgery, a landlord threatening eviction, or a stolen wallet leaving them stranded. They will promise to pay you back as soon as their (non-existent) funds are released. **Remember: A genuine person will not ask a practical stranger for money.**
2. The “Visa/Ticket” Scam
In this scenario, the scammer claims to be madly in love and desperate to visit you, but says they need you to pay for their plane ticket, visa fees, or travel allowance. After you send the money, they will either disappear or create a new “crisis” at the airport (e.g., being stopped by customs, needing to pay a bribe) that requires more money. **Remember: Reputable services and embassies have official payment channels. Never send money directly to an individual for these purposes.**
3. The “Blackmail” Scam (Sextortion)
Scammers may try to quickly move the conversation to a more intimate level, encouraging you to share personal photos or engage in explicit video chats. They will secretly record these interactions and then threaten to share the content with your friends, family, or employer unless you pay them a significant amount of money. **Remember: Be extremely cautious about sharing intimate content online. Never do so until you have established a real, long-term, and trusting relationship.**
Video Resources: Hearing from Real Women
One of the best ways to understand the difference between a scammer and a genuine woman is to see and hear from real Filipinas. Their motivations are not about money, but about finding a loyal, family-oriented partner. Watch this clip to hear their own words.
Watch: Asking Filipinas Why They’re Dating Foreigners
Our Most Helpful Guides & Articles
Knowledge is power. Dive deeper with our expert guides on navigating your international dating journey safely and successfully.
The Ultimate Red Flag Checklist
Our definitive guide to spotting red flags on dating profiles and in conversations. An essential read before you start your search.
The K-1 Fiancée Visa Process Explained
Understand the real, official process for bringing a fiancée to the US. Knowing the facts will protect you from visa-related scams.
Your First Trip to Meet Her: A Safety Checklist
A step-by-step guide to planning a safe and successful first trip to the Philippines to meet your potential partner.
Mail Order Bride: Myth vs. Reality
This article debunks common myths and explains the modern reality of international dating, helping you separate fact from fiction.
Real Stories, Genuine Connections
The ultimate proof against scams is the existence of thousands of real, happy couples. These are not fantasies; these are genuine connections built on trust, respect, and a safe dating process.
Henry & Hazel’s Proposal
“Nothing beats the feeling of finding true love… Henry and Hazel recently celebrated their engagement at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City.”
– A Real Success Story
A Wonderful Experience
“My experience going on an AFA Romance Tour was just so wonderful. AFA tours takes care of everything and makes the experience so stress free.”
– Satisfied AFA Tour Client
