Another Bullet Scam

[Hank_ 9,171]

Ya... I buy that... especially with the little Filipino lady that was recently scammed.

[brian8024 2]

Some of the investigations they did last year, and the interviews with the "ex" scammers. They said the typical target was usually a Filipino that was outbound on an international flight. It was assumed that they were OFW and thus not wanting to miss their flight, and culturally more willing to pay the bribe and not report it and a whole lot safer then a non-Filipino international traveler that was more likely to cause a scene and not pay the bribe.

Edited April 28, 2016 by brian8024

[russandraquel 86]

Definitely will be asking my fiancee to avoid letting anyone handle her bags.

[marianath 27]

I usually travel to the PI every 2 years and this is what I do.

1. Never ever ever have anyone else touch your belongings.

2. Always be aware of your surroundings and your own belongings.

3. I always place my backpack in front of me, passport and wallet front pocket and i always check it.

4. Look at the airport people straight at their eyes not to be mean at all but I dont smile lol...

5. Stay away from crowds.

A typical Pinoy is usually demure and shy (I was like that before), in my opinion this how the hunters catch their prey...

So be assertive...nothing wrong with it.

But in general Filipino's are very polite, helpful and always smiling BUT there will always be a bad apple in the bunch...

[TheResistance 6]

Airport personnel think that people from america or going to usa are rich so they extort money

If they only knew how broke I am, hoping to have a job the next day.

[TheResistance 6]

Definitely will be asking my fiancee to avoid letting anyone handle her bags.

That one I mentioned who tried to help my fiancee with her bags, she scared him away. I wish I saw his face.

If they ever did that to me, well, let us say that my attitude towards people like them is why the TSA and I are not on good terms since the 90s, since I gave them grief for years and they put me on one of their "security alert" lists. I am just not going to tell you which level. I am sure I have been off it for a long time, since I traveled to the Philippines last year with no worries.

[Stevephoto 224]

Are there any updates on this? Is it primarily NAIA1 or all airports? Joan are going to the PI on June 14th for two weeks. We are flying PAL, so landing at and departing from NAIA2. We are also going to Palawan during our visit. Is there any reason to believe that things might "change" under the new president?

Edited May 28, 2016 by Stevephoto

[Hank_ 9,171]

I find nothing new on the bullet scam “Lag Lag Bala”

But I tripped over this http://loyaltylobby.com/2016/05/24/manila-airport-new-baggage-porter-scam-exposed-beware-of-touts/

[Stevephoto 224]

I find nothing new on the bullet scam “Lag Lag Bala”

But I tripped over this http://loyaltylobby.com/2016/05/24/manila-airport-new-baggage-porter-scam-exposed-beware-of-touts/

Oh.....GREAT!! We will be at the airport in plenty of time, so that part doesn't worry me much. Thanks Hank.

Edited May 29, 2016 by Stevephoto

[Hank_ 9,171]

Oh.....GREAT!! We will be at the airport in plenty of time, so that part doesn't worry me much. Thanks Hank.

La La Bala happens when passengers have a connecting flight to another island and not exiting NAIA. Be aware. Outside zippers need to be protected.

[jannapalmer 10]

This scares me too.. But here are some tips that my friends who always travel shared with me:

1. If you can get a luggage with less zippers or outside pockets, better. I even saw bags ridiculously wrapped with plastic around. It may seem funny but you do what you do to protect yourself.

2. Make sure you follow all the rules on what to pack or what are only allowed etc., so nothing pops in the x-ray and there won't be a need to open bags.

3. And if in case they say they saw something in your bag, let the inspectors open the bag in front of you and other inspectors (and other possible witnesses). In the case that they see a bullet, don't ever EVER touch it. Let them get it. So you don't run the risk of having your fingerprints on it as proof that it's planted and it's not really yours.

4. Know the names of the persons you're dealing with, in case they found a bullet. Ask for their ID. Know their names and position.

5. If they ask you to settle it by paying a certain amount, don't give in. Coz this is why they're doing this to people in the first place. Stand by your rights. You can call a lawyer if you know one.

5. More importantly, don't panic. Don't be scared. If you know in your heart you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to be scared of.

*Plus, in reality, whoever gets jailed with just bullet cases? Why can't they just confiscate it? and really, why would you keep those and not have a gun around? and do they really think a missionary, and a senior citizen on a wheelchair (like the recent cases in the news) are the types to carry guns and bullets around? I shoot guns for a hobby but I don't keep the bullets. #smh

[Hank_ 9,171]

"Tanim bala" Roddy is coming to Manila!!

[Donald Trump 8]

Too bad they can't move the US embassy to Davao

Davao plays by a different set of rules than the rest of the Philippines

I hope to see him clean up Manila and Cebu

[Hank_ 9,171]

Well that is what many are hoping and why so many wanted Roddy for president .... they see how he ran Davao and what more of that.

[Brassballs 47]

How many pax process in and out of NAIA daily???

How many 'bullet scams' do we hear about???

The odds are strongly in your favor that you would ever get caught up in this scam. Of course if you ARE the 1 in a million that gets singled out it would really suck. Be cautious, be alert, use your head and nothing will happen.