THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday warned those looking to find jobs abroad to be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals offering bogus interview appointment slots with licensed recruitment agencies.
In a public advisory, the DMW said aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) must avoid dealing with those engaged in “appointment interview slot assurance” in exchange for “cash bonds.”
“We are reminding those wanting to work abroad of the modus of scammers claiming to be employees of licensed recruitment agencies, either online or Facebook Messenger, to charge cash bonds in exchange of appointment interview slot assurance. This is a scam,” said the DMW.
In the alleged scam, the DMW said a prospective victim is asked to pay a cash bond as a guarantee for an interview slot.
“Remind lang din po kita na meron ka pong babayaran na cash bond na P2,800 para sa appointment interview slot assurance. Ang purpose po nito ay assurance na ikaw po ay siguradong a-attend sa nasabing appointment date,” the DMW quoted a supposed message of the scammers.
According to the DMW, anyone engaged in such activities may be held liable for illegal recruitment.
“The public is informed that anyone offering jobs abroad without the appropriate license from the DMW may be charged with illegal recruitment,” it said.
On the other hand, the DMW reminded the public that legitimate transactions with licensed recruitment agencies must take place in their registered office, and not online.
“Legitimate transactions for job applicants are conducted in legitimate addresses of recruitment agencies, have the appropriate official receipts for documents or requirements submitted, or fees paid to them,” said the DMW.
