Caution! Police warn of fraudsters in foreign job offers

Caution! Police warn of fraudsters in foreign job offers

The wave of overseas job offers can seem tempting, but police in Phuket recently warned of a growing trend of scams. In a report by Khao Phuket It has been pointed out that numerous fraudsters provide fake job offers for administrators that promise high salaries and attractive benefits. These offers often also include free accommodation and meals. However, the dark truth behind such offers can be drastically different: many victims find themselves forced to work for call centers or illegal gambling websites and are exposed to serious risks such as deprivation of liberty and violence.

Challenges in labor migration

Thai government deputy spokesman Karam Pholpornklang recently reported in Bangkok Biz News about the ongoing measures being taken by the government against these fraudulent practices. A continuous fight against illegal employment agencies is waged by the Ministry of Labor. But despite the warnings, cases of Thai workers being sent abroad illegally continue to occur, often on a voluntary basis. Last year, 452 cases of illegal brokering were handled, resulting in a total of over 45 million baht in estimated damage.

The most common destinations for workers scammed abroad are Australia, Japan, South Korea, the USA and Iceland. Specifically, between October and December 2024, 59 such cases were recorded, in which 53 people were defrauded, losing over 6 million baht. The government strongly advises not to be gullible when it comes to tempting offers from employment agencies and to check all information before traveling.

Important tips to avoid fraud

The Ministry of Labor has put together five recommended methods that interested parties can protect themselves from fraudulent offers:

1. Such dir eine Arbeitsvermittlung, die vom Arbeitsministerium autorisiert ist, da für diese keine Vermittlungsgebühren erhoben werden.
2. Achte darauf, nur mit lizenzierten Arbeitsvermittlern zu arbeiten, deren Kosten gesetzlich festgelegt sind.
3. Zusammenarbeit mit Arbeitgebern, die ebenfalls genehmigt sind, ist ein weiterer sicherer Weg.
4. Selbstständige Kontaktaufnahme mit ausländischen Arbeitgebern sollte beim Arbeitsministerium gemeldet werden.
5. Praktika im Ausland müssen auch vor Reiseantritt dem Arbeitsministerium gemeldet werden.

Before making referrals to any type of intermediary or company, it is advisable to check the license of the employment agency on the Ministry of Labor website.

The issue not only has local relevance, but is part of a larger problem that is also being discussed in other countries, for example in Germany. Authorities there warn against fake skilled workers who could fall into the trap of fraud in the context of labor migration. Further information can be found at Mirror Online.

In light of these developments, it is now more important than ever to be informed and cautious to protect yourself from the harmful effects of common scams.