Beware of e-mail employment scams - 2007 POEA Advisory
NEWS RELEASE June 19, 2007
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration warns job applicants on
the proliferation of e-mail messages offering high-paying overseas jobs.
Administrator Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said several job applicants
reported that they received unsolicited e-mail messages from a
“multinational company” through a seemingly legitimate e-mail account
congratulating them for being selected for a specific job. The e-mail
contains details about the “hiring company”, the positions needed, and a
very enticing compensation package. The e-mail further states the company
received a copy of the resume of the applicant from a “resume bank” or job
site of their accredited companies in the Philippines.
The applicants said that when they expressed interest in the job offer,
the company required them to undergo a seminar/training for a fee. They
were also asked to pay for reservation, OWWA membership, taxes, and
insurance through courier service. The applicants paid for the required
fees and only realized they were swindled when the company stopped
communicating with them.
Baldoz said because transactions in the internet are virtually
unrestricted and impersonal, illegal recruiters are more likely to prey on
individuals in search of employment overseas through the web.
Baldoz cautions recipients of e-mail job offers to verify the authenticity
of the company, the website, as well as the telephone numbers before
paying any money. “Most likely, the ‘company’ does not exist and the job
offer a hoax when it uses free e-mail account and the telephone numbers
provided are not accessible,” Baldoz added.
