October 17, 2024
Discover the unique appeal of Gamezone: The Top Choice for Filipino Gamers
October 9, 2024
Buying something online? Watch out for these online scams
June 22, 2024
Is your online lover too good to be true? Know the red flags of a love scammer
Dating in the digital age has become easier with so many apps and services to choose from. By the end of 2023, it was reported that 441 million people were using dating apps actively, generating around $8.7 billion in revenues globally through matchmaking services.
The
appeal of dating apps is that you’re not limited by geography. You can meet
people online in your city or in another country; you get to see how they look
like from their profiles; find out their interests; and if you begin chatting,
you can judge if you’re compatible enough to go on a first date.
Many
Filipinos have fallen victim to romance scams, among other fakery proliferating
online. Now there’s a Facebook page that crowdsources information and
experiences so that you can be more aware about scams. Called Online Alerto, it’s
a Facebook community page dedicated to the dissemination of invaluable
insights, resources, and strategies related to digital literacy, cybersecurity,
and responsible online behavior.
Acting
as a collaborative platform, it facilitates members in validating their online
purchases and transactions while fostering an environment where personal
experiences are exchanged to help enhance online safety and awareness among all
members. Online Alerto is absolutely free—all you need to do is join the
community page to raise your own awareness about cybercrimes.
While
identity theft and hacking are the leading cybercrimes globally, love scams are
rapidly on the rise. In
Southeast Asia, these crimes have two victims: those deceived by the scam and
those that are trafficked into doing the scams.
Online
Alerto has pooled resources on the internet for warnings and tips on avoiding
love scams.
Avoid
these red flags
- · The
person expresses strong emotions and love for you very quickly, often within
days or weeks of initial contact.
- · They
quickly ask you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate
directly on WhatsApp or SMS, where they can manipulate you more easily.
- · If an
individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests
inappropriate photos or financial information, they could later blackmail you
or extort money from you.
- · When
you make plans to meet in person, they always come up with an excuse why they
can’t.
- · They ask for money for various reasons such as travel expenses, medical emergencies, or business opportunities. This is often the biggest and most obvious red flag.
- · They
tell you stories to elicit sympathy, such as being widowed, having a sick
child, or facing some urgent crisis.
- · They
ask you many personal questions, but they avoid sharing their personal details
or give information that cannot be verified such as a home address or
workplace.
What
scammers say to hook you in
"I
or someone close to me is sick, hurt, or in jail."
"I
can teach you how to invest."
"I'm
in the military far away."
"I
need help with an important delivery."
"We've
never met, but let's talk about marriage."
"I've
come into some money or gold."
"I'm
on an oil rig or ship."
"You
can trust me with your private pictures."
Ways to protect yourself
- · Reverse
search the person’s photo by using online searches like Google Images.
- · Be
careful what you post and make public online. Scammers use details shared on
social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
- · Maintain
a healthy level of skepticism, especially if things seem too good to be true.
- · Suggest
a video call early in your communication.
- · Check
their social media profiles for consistency with what they've told you. Look
for a reasonable number of friends, photos, and posts over time. A lack of
social media presence or a newly created profile can be a red flag.
- · If you
decide to meet in person, choose a public place and inform a friend or family
member about your plans. Ensure the person you meet matches their online
presence.
- · Some dating apps offer identity verification features, like blue checkmarks, to indicate users who have verified their identity through the app.
Join Online Alerto on Facebook to better protect yourself from romance and
other scams and learn from other people’s experiences.
June 2, 2023
Samsung Invites You To Bespoke Life 2023
February 1, 2023
foodpanda Philippines Wins Silver in the 2022 Marketing Excellence Awards
November 25, 2022
#GSafeTayo: GCash to roll out ‘double authentication’ to arrest unauthorized transactions
August 28, 2022
Check your crypto wallet for FREE Bitcoin whenever you pay with Maya! Plus, get a chance to receive ₱1M worth of Bitcoin, just like Reinzel C!
- Just pay with Maya via QR, mobile number, or card at stores all over the Philippines and online
- Get free Bitcoin up to P500 each month until September 30! Every purchase gives you guaranteed Bitcoin worth 1%, 10%, or 100% of your purchase. For example, your PHP 500 purchase can give you PHP 5, PHP 50 or PHP 500 in free Bitcoin!
- Wait for the SMS notification and then check your crypto wallet to claim your free Bitcoin 😎
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July 28, 2022
Experience a new way of online shopping with the Shopee Live Sulit Sale and get up to 50% off on exclusive deals
Catch trending livestream products and get 50% off exclusive deals, Free Shipping with no minimum spend, 15% off vouchers, and a chance to win cash every Friday!
Have you developed the habit of watching hours and hours of streams from live sellers? You’re not the only one!
Pinoys have quickly come to embrace live streaming as an entertaining way to shop. It allows them to view products up close and interact with their favorite sellers in real-time. This makes the “mining” concept grow more popular among Filipino millennials and Gen Zs, where you buy products by commenting “mine” during streams.
With the Shopee Live Sulit Sale, livestream shoppers are in for a treat. Unli “mine” all day, every Friday, and enjoy exclusive deals up to 50%, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 15% off vouchers from your favorite live sellers.
Shopee users also get a chance to win cash prizes up to ₱5,000 every Friday when they watch and buy during the Shopee Live Sulit Sale . Just click on any livestream under the “Up to 50% off” tab and check out any item from participating sellers in order to earn raffle entries.
To get the most out of your livestream shopping experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you tune in to the Shopee Live Sulit Sale every Friday:
- Visit Shopee Live at
different times of the day.
Thousands of sellers go on Shopee Live to sell a wide assortment of products that suit your every need. Starting 10 AM every Friday, you’ll be able to find the perfect seller that can offer the best deals on anything you’re looking for. At the Shopee Live Sulit Sale, log in every hour to catch sellers who offer trending fashion accessories that can spice up your wardrobe, hottest electronic gadgets for your tech hobby or home essentials to make your living space even better. Whatever item you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find a seller for you!
- Be part of the live
community.
Watching a live selling is a unique experience that brings people closer to one another. Most viewers would feel like they’re part of a community when they get to interact with live sellers and viewers who share similar interests. With the Shopee Live Sulit Sale, you’ll feel like you’re among friends when you chat, comment and share ideas with people who are interested in the same things as you. If you’re lucky, you might just find yourself in a watch party with new buddies during the next Shopee Live Sulit Sale!
- Get more out of your
live shopping experience.
The best thing about live selling is the unbelievable bargains you get. With the Shopee Live Sulit Sale, we’re taking things to another level by offering flash deals, exclusive voucher drops, and rewards to make your live shopping experience even more sulit. To add to the excitement, the more you buy items at great deals, the more chances you have to win ₱5,000 cash every week!
Make sure to remember all these tips when you tune
in to the Shopee Live Sulit Sale every Friday. Just visit the “Live” page on
the Shopee app to start your livestream shopping experience!
June 28, 2022
Five Things You Can Do with ShopeePay
June 14, 2022
Still stumped with what to get dad for Father’s Day? Here are 19 Shopee finds for every type of dad!
As an added treat, Shopee is holding a Father’s Day Sale that allows shoppers to enjoy bigger savings on a wide assortment of Father’s Day presents! Check out this roundup of gift ideas for every type of dad:
For dads who can doze off anywhere, anytime -- this Memory Foam Neck Pillow is going to be his new best friend. With its comfortable cotton and foam material, your dad can turn his naps into deep slumbers when he’s on-the-go.
For dads who are the grill masters at home -- a Portable Large BBQ Grill Station is the way to go. Have your dad cook the best steaks and burgers that will bring the family together on weekends with this easy-to-assemble grill station.
For dads who are health and fitness buffs -- consider this Active 16kg Kettlebell to help him stay in tip-top shape. Your old man can use this kettlebell for different workouts that build endurance, strength, and flexibility.
For dads who love to sing their heart out -- get him the Platinum Karaoke Machine to serenade your mom and give him more reason to belt out powerful love ballads and rock anthems. This modern karaoke machine can store all the best songs of any generation.
For dads who binge-watch TV series and movies -- you must buy him a CHiQ 42 inch Smart TV so he can watch his favorite films and shows in high-definition and Dolby Audio. This Smart TV will take your movie nights to a whole new level.
For dads who are avid sports fans -- gift a pair of Peak Basketball Shoes that he can wear when hooping with fellow titos at your neighborhood court. This signature shoe with lightning cushion sole is super comfy to play in for dads who think “Ball is life!”
For dads whose style game is always on point -- the Active Life Polo Shirt is a nice addition to the wardrobe. It’s a classic piece of clothing that does not go out of style, so you can either dress it up or keep it casual depending on the occasion.
For dads who share your love for K-POP -- Is your dad obsessed with Korean culture just like you? Then score this OXGN Korean Inspired T-Shirt that comes in navy blue, mustard and black and will make him look like a true K-POP fan wherever he goes.
For dads who stay well-groomed and pampered -- the Swisse Skin Exfoliator is a great gift choice for them. Let your dad continue to defy aging with this skin care essential that removes dead skin cells and reveals smooth, soft, and supple skin.
For dads who embrace the great outdoors -- check out Lixada Camping Backpack that he can take on hikes, camping trips, and other adventures away from the urban jungle. He can take in the serenity of nature and have all his camping needs with him in this bag with 50L capacity.
For dads who enjoy the thrill of motorbikes -- let him explore biker hotspots and bond with like-minded people while wearing this Motorcycle Jersey. This jersey will keep him cool and flexible while cruising on highways.
For dads who are the handymen of the house -- he can take pride in fixing leaky pipes, cracked walls, or any of the common household problems with a 150pc Home Tool Set. Dad will be excited to use this for home projects that involve electrical and carpentry work.
For dads who are clean freaks -- pick up a new cleaning gadget in the CEENZIMO Cordless Air Duster. This high-pressured duster will blow away built-up dirt in his precious gadgets or tools.
For dads who can’t live without coffee -- brew a steaming cup of coffee with a new Hoba French Press. Dad will surely be pleased to start the day right with his caffeine fix done via a classic brewing method.
For dads who are big bosses in the office -- why not reward them with an Imperial Horse Leather Belt that will match nicely with their business suits and daily corporate attire. They do deserve something nice for all the hard work they put in.
For dads who never outgrew the gaming phase -- upgrade their gaming set-up with a cool new pair of Razer Blackshark Gaming Headphones. Late night and weekend gaming sessions will be more immersive with the headphones’ built-in noise-cancellation feature.
For dads who express themselves through art -- show them some love and surprise them with a SeamiArt Paint Brush. It is made with nylon hair that will help them practice their soft paint strokes like a true artist.
For dads who keep up with the latest trendy gadgets -- make sure he’s equipped with a gadget that matches his lifestyle needs like the Amazfit Bip U Smart Watch. This lightweight and durable watch has over 60 modes and features to keep dad’s health and wellness in check.
For dads who don’t know how to shop online -- There’s no better gift for the non-techie dad than introducing him to apps and features that make life more convenient! This Father’s Day, sit down with pops to help him set up his own Shopee account and teach him how to browse for items he might enjoy. If your dad still uses cash, go the extra mile and help him be more tech-savvy by activating ShopeePay, Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, so he can enjoy more rewards when shopping. To jumpstart his online experience, send him money for free through ShopeePay Ang Pao.
Grab more exciting gifts for your dad at Shopee’s Father’s Day Sale on June 19 when you visit here. You can also start early on your Father’s Day gift shopping at the Father’s Day Fair until June 14 and enjoy up to 90% off on other dad gifts here.
Enjoy even more savings on your dad gifts when you check out during the
June 15 Payday Sale! Get 10% off vouchers, shipping discount vouchers and 100%
bills cashback when you check out items here.