Online job scams are on the rise and are becoming more and more deceptive, prompting Sen. Mark Villar to call for an investigation. Many Filipinos are falling victim to fake job offers online and losing money.
According to the report, fraudulent job offers are widespread on social media and chat apps. High salaries and work-from-home jobs are usually offered. First, the scammer sends a small payment to gain the victim's trust. After that, they are asked for a larger deposit in exchange for higher earnings, before the scammer disappears with the money.
According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), scammers are using social engineering to manipulate people's trust. This modus operandi is designed to lure Filipinos desperate to find work. Authorities have been receiving many complaints about this, so it is necessary to focus on it.
Villar called for stricter digital safeguards and more effective action against cybercriminals. Without immediate action, the number of victims of job scams will continue to increase.
Apart from that, he also called for a broader campaign to inform the public on how to avoid such deception. “It is time to pay attention to job scams,” said Villar.
He added that government agencies, internet platforms, and law enforcement must join forces to prevent this crime.
Anyone who cheats Filipinos who are working should be severely punished. g
