Question from a reader:
I have a consultation regarding a scam in the Philippines. It’s an embarrassing story, but I encountered a scam while using Tinder. Specifically, two KTV girls came to my hotel room and extorted money from me. I didn’t engage in any acts, but I ended up paying the $900 I had on hand to somehow be forgiven.
As I was leaving, they said they would take a picture of the $900, and there might have been a photo taken of me as well. My biggest worry is being arrested when I leave the country. Can you tell me about the possibility of that and how to deal with it? I was threatened with being reported for engaging with a minor, so I fear being extorted again. It’s a pathetic situation, but I would appreciate your help.

Issues of Scams in the Philippines: Legal Advice from a Legal Perspective

Hello, I’m 〇〇, a university student majoring in psychology. Today, I want to consider a somewhat delicate issue. Specifically, I will respond to a reader’s question about encountering a scam (commonly known as a “honey trap”) in the Philippines. Based on actual experiences, let’s think about legal advice from a legal perspective.

What is a Honey Trap?

First, let’s clarify what a honey trap is. A honey trap refers to a scheme where primarily women entice men and then extort money from them. It is a type of fraud often seen in tourist areas and nightlife hotspots. In the Philippines, such incidents are prevalent, so travelers need to be particularly cautious. It seems the reader got involved in an incident with a woman they met through Tinder at a hotel. In such situations, anyone can become confused and not know what to do. Especially when threatened with extortion or accusations of engaging with a minor, one would feel mentally and physically cornered.

From a Legal Perspective

Now, let’s consider this issue from a legal perspective. In the Philippines, extortion is considered a serious crime. Therefore, even if you paid money under threat, it can be understood as a negative choice made to protect yourself. In other words, you did not engage in illegal activities but rather acted to safeguard your own well-being. Even if a situation arises where you are reported to the police, as long as there is no evidence that you engaged with a minor, the likelihood of being arrested is low. The police will gather various pieces of evidence to confirm the facts, but if there is evidence showing that your actions were consensual, you may even be treated as a victim.

Act Without Fear

Honestly, the content of the threats is very frightening. Worrying about being arrested when leaving the country is a natural reaction. However, hesitating to act out of excessive worry can worsen the situation. It is essential to calmly assess the situation first. If you are threatened again, I encourage you to think about gathering evidence immediately. Saving screenshots of conversations on your smartphone or recording dialogues, if possible, can strengthen your position. Additionally, consulting with trusted friends or family for support is also important.

Measures When Leaving the Country

There are several things you can do to alleviate anxiety when leaving the country. First, make sure to thoroughly understand the laws in the Philippines before your departure. By consulting with a law firm or experts and explaining your situation in detail, you can receive specific advice. Also, if you feel anxious when leaving, it’s a good idea to head to the airport early and act with a sense of ease. In the unlikely event that you have to undergo police questioning, being prepared in advance will allow you to respond more calmly.

Don’t Forget Mental Care

Of course, mental care is just as important as legal advice. To free yourself from fear and anxiety, consider seeking counseling. As someone studying psychology, I can tell you that simply talking about your concerns can often alleviate anxiety. Speaking with a trusted counselor or friend can lighten your mental burden.

In Conclusion

When faced with such difficult situations, maintaining composure and taking action is the most crucial thing. Scams in the Philippines are very real and dangerous issues, but you are not alone. While receiving support, I hope you understand your legal rights and take action to protect yourself. To everyone reading this blog, I hope you can respond calmly in case something happens and acquire the knowledge to protect your rights. Understanding the laws and cultures of different countries and preparing adequately to prevent troubles is essential. Taking decisive action to protect your life is the most important thing of all.