SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
The Different Types Of Dating Scams & Scammers
Someone recently asked the following:
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How common is it that scammers have partners in crime ? Sometime ago I chatted with a very dishonest possibly mentally ill filipina using the user name Ping she turned out to be a liar and a fraud. How ever about 5 hours ago I sent friend request to both of her brothers. One of them the oldest Vincente Jose also known as Otik accepted my friend request we chatted for a while and asked him a couple of questions about the town he lived, and his family and such he avoided every question I asked him about it. But just like his sister that asked me if I had plans to visit the Philippines within 5 minutes so did he after that started to recommend traveling locations in the Visayas but he told me to avoid Mindanao due to the war inbetween multiple terrorist groups and he even told me that the city of Iligan was a hot zone. I have encountered enough scammers to recognize one when I chat with one. But how common is that family members of a scammer are just as involved ?
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It is important to understand the fundamental different between Philippines scammers and the other TWO SCHOOLS.
In the world today, there are:
FIVE FUNDAMENTAL TYPES OF ROMANCE OR DATING SCAMMERS:
- THE AFRICAN SCHOOL
- THE RUSSIAN/UKRAINIAN SCHOOL
- THE PHILIPPINES SCHOOL
- THE AMERICAN / CANADIAN / EUROPEAN SCHOOL
- THE CHINESE SCHOOL
We use the word “school” to describe their philosophy or style of scamming.
THE AFRICAN SCHOOL
This is a very large scale disorganized approach to scamming that relies on the most spectacular lies. They steal photos and make up identities, selling these to their victims. They are spread throughout the world from the UK to Malaysia, but all essentially use the same approach. If you understand the approach and the techniques they use, they are somewhat easy to spot. Most dating scammers fall into this school of scamming. They do this to both men and women. Men are shown the porn stars, and they love to steal military men to target women.
THE RUSSIAN / UKRAINIAN SCHOOL
This is real organized crime. This is a real business, not in the broad sense, but in actual fact. These are real businesses in their countries in one form or another, and they are connected and powerful. They use real women, usually with their real identities – because their goal is for a foreigner to come and visit the woman as the closer to the scam. They run various dating sites and placement businesses – some do the full “tour” for their candidates, handling travel and setting up the interviews (dates), but in the end the guy never gets the girl, they just spend a fortune. There is a darker side to the Russian School that happens after the girl comes home with the guy, involving extortion. In Eastern European dating, you have to be extraordinary careful, because ultimately you will be on their home ground and there is the potential for physical risk – we will write more about this later.
THE PHILIPPINE SCHOOL
This is one of the more agonizing for its victims, since it is all real, except for one fact – the women have no intention of being romantically connected with you. This is a form of prostitution – meaning that the women “rent” themselves to their dater. Here women use their real names and share themselves openly. They share their family story, children, everything. Usually they have a boyfriend or husband that is their “pimp”, but it could also be a brother or father or mother behind the scenes too. They ask you to support them, and invite their victims over to the Philippines to visit them – many times offering sex as a way to secure more money. These scams can go on for a year or more, but in the end, the victim usually “wises up” and discovers the truth, that there was no real relationship – they were just being used.
AMERICAN / CANADIAN / EUROPEAN SCHOOL
These are dangerous on a personal level. They are local and target certain types of people. We used to call these people “Con-artists”, but they are out their. Their scams are all about getting money – as much and for as long as possible. They work alone and in small teams. They depend on various forms of guilt or fear in the end to keep victims silent. The good news is that local police take this seriously and will act!
THE CHINESE SCHOOL
The Chinese school is relatively new, and is a variation on the Philippines and the Russian models. Mostly using real women with their real identities. Except that they really don’t want you to visit. The scam is almost always done long distance, because in China they have real police and take crimes against foreigners very seriously. The scams are run out of dedicated Chinese dating sites to find victims, run by real businesses in China.
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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