BI: Beware of overseas scam hubs

The increasing number of online scam hubs similar to offshore gaming operations or POGOs overseas — which continue to recruit and take advantage of Filipino workers — prompted the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to issue a strong warning on Friday.

In a statement, the BI stressed that since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the POGO closure in the country, illegal online scammers have flourished abroad and are aggressively enticing Filipinos with false job promises.

According to the BI, these scam centers function similarly to illicit POGOs, convincing individuals to fall for investment scams and catphishing, or creating fake online identities to deceive victims, among other fraudulent online practices.

BI commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado revealed that almost daily interceptions occur at the country’s airports, with many victims recruited via social media and promised high-paying customer service jobs abroad.

“We prevented a total of 118 Filipinos from involvement in internet scams in 2024 alone. With traffickers continuously changing their strategies, we are witnessing a more blatant approach this year,” Viado said.

The BI chief also said that the recent repatriation of 12 Filipinos trafficked to Myanmar further shows the rampant and dangerous nature of these scam hubs.

Reports said that the victims claim that despite being promised legitimate jobs, they were forced into working as internet scammers in appalling conditions before being saved by the government.

They described being physically abused, working long hours without compensation, and even receiving electric shocks as a form of punishment.

Viado stressed the importance of being vigilant and encouraged people to contact the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Hotline 1343 to report any suspected human trafficking or illegal recruitment activities.

“We urge Filipinos to remain vigilant and confirm job offers through legitimate government channels before traveling abroad, and immigration officers remain on high alert,” Viado said.