Scam in PhilippinesOn the street
Budol-budol confidence scam in Philippines
How it works
Victims are persuaded to follow a robber's demands and give up valuables. Accounts describe this as hypnosis; do not assume that a thief needs any special power to manipulate someone.
Warning signs
- A stranger pressures you to follow instructions involving money or valuables.
- Someone tries to keep you engaged while making unusual demands.
How to avoid it
- Do not hand valuables to a stranger.
- Step away from unexpected requests involving money.
- Check with a trusted person before acting on an unusual demand.
If it happens to you
Break off contact and move to a safe public place. Tell someone you trust and report any loss to the police.
- Move to a safe public place. Do not chase thieves or start a confrontation.
- Check whether anyone is injured. Get medical help if needed.
- Freeze missing payment cards. Secure affected accounts and block a stolen phone through your provider.
- Save receipts, booking records and messages. Write down the time, place, vehicle details and what happened.
- Report the incident to the police. For taxi complaints, contact the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on 1342.
- Contact your insurer. Ask your embassy for help if your passport is missing or the incident is serious.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the budol-budol confidence scam scam in Philippines?
Victims are persuaded to follow a robber's demands and give up valuables. Accounts describe this as hypnosis; do not assume that a thief needs any special power to manipulate someone.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger pressures you to follow instructions involving money or valuables. Someone tries to keep you engaged while making unusual demands.
How do I avoid budol-budol confidence scam in Philippines?
Do not hand valuables to a stranger. Step away from unexpected requests involving money. Check with a trusted person before acting on an unusual demand.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Break off contact and move to a safe public place. Tell someone you trust and report any loss to the police.
Where in Philippines does this happen?
Around Manila; foreign visitors are rarely targeted It has been reported in Manila.
How common is this scam in Philippines?
Common. Taxi overcharging and theft are common risks in the Philippines, especially in busy city areas. Watch for drivers refusing the meter, bag snatchers, pickpockets and distractions such as dropped coins or spilled drinks. Keep valuables out of sight and settle disputes calmly.
Who can I report it to?
Philippine National Police (PNP): report theft, robbery, threats or fraud at a police station or Police Community Precinct. Bring the evidence you have and ask for a report reference or copy. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board: call 1342 for a taxi complaint. Keep the plate number, trip details and any receipt. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or verified contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help after passport theft, a serious crime or hostage taking. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss. Taxi booking app: report the trip through the app and include the booking record, driver details and disputed charge.
Reviewed by @snuck