Markus (43) from Sweden was cautious with online dating. Divorced and a father of two, he wasn’t looking for games — just genuine connection. So when a woman named “Irene” messaged him on Facebook, it was a pleasant surprise. She was kind, modest, and told him she wasn’t like “those Instagram girls.” She was traditional. A church-goer. Family-oriented.
They talked daily — texts, voice messages, sometimes even audio prayers before sleep. She said she was from the Philippines, working as a nurse abroad, trying to support her family. Markus felt safe with her. Her words gave him peace he hadn’t felt in years.
After three months of talking, she said she wanted to visit him.
The catch? She didn’t have enough for the plane ticket.
He sent €220.
Then came visa complications.
Then border fees.
Then “COVID paperwork.”
Over the course of four months, Markus sent more than €3,500 — emotionally invested in someone who, by all signs, was planning a life with him.
He only realized it was a scam after a friend reverse-searched one of her photos and found it on a Filipino beauty blog. The real woman had 400k followers and no clue she was being used.
The Lesson:
Scams don’t always come fast. Some are slow, patient, and deeply emotional. If someone wants money to visit you — stop and investigate. Real love doesn’t come with invoices.