When you say "Gypsies," I assume that you are refering to swindlers and not the Romani per say or people who roam. Sure, there are dishonest people everywhere and in every culture. In the Philippines it is usually an individual lady and perhaps her family, not an organized crime syndicate. The level of loss depends on the amount of money that the "victim" is willing to send. Not too many people are as big of fools as "Tim" in the article. There are many more nice, honest ladies in the Philippines.

Dave H.