SCAMS Our Filipino Parents Keep Falling For—and How to Protect Them
Scams are an unfortunate reality of the digital age, and they seem to target one of the most vulnerable groups: our Filipino parents. Their generosity, trust, and excitement over a “good deal” can sometimes make them easy targets for online swindlers. Combine this with a lack of formal digital literacy education, and it's no wonder that scammers often succeed. From fake giveaways on Facebook to pyramid schemes and bogus travel packages, these fraudulent tactics hit close to home. Here’s a deep dive into some of the most common scams our parents fall for—and what we can do to keep them safe.
The Facebook Freebie Trap
Social media has become a goldmine for scammers, and Facebook is often the starting point. Whether it’s a celebrity “giving away cash” or a company offering a free iPad, these scams prey on excitement and build false trust.For example, many Filipino parents have fallen for posts that claim a big name—like Taylor Swift—is giving away $1,000 to fans. All they have to do is click a link. But that link? It’s a gateway to phishing or malware.
Why it Works:
Our parents trust what they see online, especially if it’s attached to a familiar face or brand.
The allure of a freebie or an exclusive deal feels too good to pass up.
MLMs: The Pyramid Scheme Disguised as Opportunity
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) scams are another big culprit. These schemes promise quick riches but often leave participants with nothing but debt. Many target Filipino communities by using guilt and religious sentiments to rope people in.
MLM products marketed as life-changing. Scammers often frame these as opportunities to help one’s family financially. A classic tactic is using emotional appeals like, “This is a blessing from God,” to pressure people into joining.
Why it Works:
Many Filipinos are deeply religious, and scammers exploit this to their advantage.
Family-oriented cultures like ours emphasize helping loved ones, making guilt-tripping an effective tactic.
“Relative in Need” Messages
One of the cruelest scams involves impersonating a family member in distress. These scammers send urgent messages like, “I’m in the hospital and need money right away,” or “Can you transfer money for an emergency?” Naturally, parents panic and want to help their “anak” or “apo” without hesitation.
Why it Works:
Scammers exploit the strong family ties in Filipino culture.
The urgency of the message prevents victims from double-checking the situation.
Fake Travel Packages
Filipino families love to travel, especially during holidays or big family events. Scammers know this and often pose as travel agents offering irresistible deals on flights and travel packages. Families may pay thousands of dollars, only to find out later that their tickets or bookings are fake.One victim shared their story: they spent $15,000 on flights to the Philippines for a family reunion, only to discover at the airport that their tickets didn’t exist.
Why it Works:
The promise of discounted travel is a tempting offer, especially for large families.
Scammers create a sense of urgency, saying deals are “limited” to pressure quick payments.
How to Protect Our Parents from Scams
Educating our parents and equipping them with the tools to spot scams is the best way to keep them safe. Here are a few simple yet effective strategies:
Verify the Source
Advise them to never click on random links or respond to unsolicited messages. Real companies or celebrities don’t ask for personal information this way.
Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If an offer feels unbelievable—like a free iPad or $1,000 from a celebrity—it probably is. Teach them to pause and question.Stick to Trusted Brands
Encourage them to rely on reputable companies, especially for travel bookings. For example, Mango Tours has been serving Filipino families for over 30 years and is a trusted name in booking flights and travel packages.Double-Check “Emergency” Messages
If they receive an urgent plea for help from a “relative,” have them call the person directly to confirm their story.
Scammers prey on trust and vulnerability, but with the right tools and knowledge, we can protect our parents and loved ones from falling victim. Start with open conversations about digital safety, and remind them to always verify before acting.
Mango Tours: A Trusted Partner for Safe Travel
Given how travel scams have targeted so many families, it’s important to highlight brands that prioritize safety and reliability. Mango Tours, a trusted name with over 500,000 satisfied Filipino customers, ensures families can book their flights home with confidence.
Let’s keep our families safe—and informed. If you’re planning a trip for your parents or relatives, consider booking through trusted companies like Mango Tours. After all, peace of mind is priceless.
Follow Mango Tours:
For exclusive deals, visit @mangotours on Instagram or head to their website at https://bit.ly/mangotoursxonedown and help your parents travel safely and securely!
Disclaimer: This content is for educational and awareness purposes only. Any mention of other brands, companies, or business models is strictly for educational purposes and does not imply any association. The experiences and stories shared in this content have been submitted by our audience and are used with permission; while we believe them to be true, Mango Tours cannot verify their complete accuracy. Mango Tours is a legitimate travel booking service not affiliated with any MLM schemes or unauthorized agents. We encourage verification of all bookings through our official channels only and never solicit payments through unauthorized methods. While we aim to protect our customers by sharing awareness about common travel scams, individual experiences may vary. All transactions are subject to our Terms of Service, and prices/availability are subject to change. Mango Tours assumes no liability for third-party scams or fraudulent activities, or for any consequences arising from user-submitted content.*
Sources:
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/191ak0a/how_can_we_educate_filipinos_not_to_fall_for/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/antiMLM/comments/cczl3z/how_bad_of_an_mlm_is_mary_kay/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/antiMLM/comments/9kgvbu/outrageous_claims_from_a_mlm_in_the_philippines/
Medium: https://medium.com/coinmonks/demystifying-scams-decoding-the-true-nature-of-fraud-and-misinformation-11e03c37f85f