The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued an advisory over the weekend regarding answering online ads for overseas employment after 27 Philippine nationals were repatriated from Malaysia after being rescued from a sex trafficking syndicate.

“There are numerous cases of Filipino jobseekers who apply for these online job offers but end up in virtual bondage in a number of countries abroad,” said DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano. “We urge our kababayan to think twice before applying for the various job opportunities abroad that are being offered online.”

Earlier this month, the Philippine Embassy in London reported online scammers were enticing job seekers with possible opportunities, including positions such as au pairs, drivers, gardeners, cleaners, caregivers, nannies, and private nurses.

“It is disheartening to see our kababayan duped out of their hard-earned money by nefarious online scammers who offer non-existent jobs,” said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo./WDJ