CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A deeply troubling case of alleged long-term “love scam” has surfaced in the country, further staining the Philippines’ reputation amid growing global scrutiny over online romance fraud.
A British national is now seeking legal action after claiming he was deceived for 15 years by a Filipina woman known only as “Jenny,” who allegedly fabricated her identity, marital status, and personal circumstances to repeatedly solicit money.
According to the victim, the relationship began online and continued for over a decade, during which “Jenny,” 35, presented herself as a struggling single mother. Believing her story, the foreigner said he provided consistent financial support over the years to help with her supposed needs and those of her children.
The deception only unraveled this month when the two finally met in person in Cagayan de Oro. What was expected to be a long-awaited reunion quickly turned into a nightmare. The victim said he was abruptly abandoned in a rented room after fulfilling what he described as the woman’s latest financial demands.
Suspicions deepened when the Briton, with the help of a local acquaintance, attempted to re-establish contact. Their efforts led to a shocking discovery: through a separate Facebook account, “Jenny” appeared to be living with her husband, contradicting her long-standing claims of being separated.
Even more disturbing, the victim said he had been blocked on that account—effectively concealing the truth for years. Photos posted online reportedly showed the woman with her husband, including images from their wedding, exposing what the victim believes was a calculated scheme to maintain the illusion.
When confronted, “Jenny” allegedly cut off all communication.
The foreigner described the emotional and financial toll as devastating, noting a recurring pattern over the years: prolonged periods of silence after sending money, followed by renewed contact only when financial assistance was needed again.
In a particularly painful detail, the victim said that just days ago—on his birthday—he was asked to send ₱3,000 for a cake from Goldilocks, underscoring what he now sees as continued manipulation.
Now alone in the city, the Briton has filed a complaint with authorities at Police Station 2 in Cogon and is preparing to pursue formal charges. The case could fall under fraud and other violations under Philippine law, though authorities have yet to release an official statement.
A Growing Concern
This incident highlights a broader and increasingly alarming trend of online romance scams, often referred to as “love scams,” where perpetrators exploit emotional connections to extract money from victims—frequently targeting foreigners.
Law enforcement agencies and cybercrime units in the Philippines have repeatedly warned about such schemes, which not only victimize individuals but also damage the country’s global image, particularly in the digital space where trust is critical.
Experts say cases like this underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement, public awareness, and cross-border cooperation to combat online fraud networks that operate with increasing sophistication.
For now, the British victim remains in Cagayan de Oro—seeking justice, answers, and the possibility of recovering what he lost in what he thought was a genuine relationship.