Following the complete ban and closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the Philippines on 31 December 2024, the Embassy has observed the proliferation of social media ads, including on Facebook and Telegram, for job opportunities as “Customer Service Representatives” or “Chat Support Representatives” overseas. In many cases, these supposed CSR jobs involve victimizing unsuspecting individuals through love scams or fake investment schemes.

Quite a few Filipinos have either knowingly pursued or been duped by the following employment package offers:

1. Rewarding employment as a customer service representative or chat support representative overseas;

2. Salary ranging from USD800.00 to USD1,000.00 or more;

3. Free food and accommodation, and

4. Benevolent employer and excellent working conditions.

According to Filipinos who were lured into this line of work, their recruiters provided no employment contracts. Instead of direct flights to the country of destination, they were made to travel via other airports in the region. Some were taken to certain sea channels in the southern Philippines to escape immigration checks.

In this regard, the Philippine Embassy urges all Filipinos to be cautious and discerning in accepting job opportunities peddled on social media. Many have landed in illegal jobs that prey on potential victims who can be easily fooled to entrust their hard-earned money to unscrupulous perpetrators, including vulnerable elderly Filipino women in North America. Workers who have been released from their job sites with the help of the Embassy and law enforcement authorities have to wait for one to three months before being cleared for repatriation by host government agencies. In line with international conventions on diplomatic and consular relations, the Embassy is under obligation to respect the sovereignty of the host country as well as its laws and established processes, including for law enforcement. The Embassy has a further duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of the host country. Like Filipinos awaiting repatriation, the Embassy also hopes for the host government’s timely response to its official representations on behalf of distressed Filipino citizens.

The Embassy thus cannot overemphasize the importance of complying with Philippine government requirements and procedures, including those of the Department of Migrant Workers, to help ensure the safety and protection of Overseas Filipino Workers.

Filipinos needing the Embassy’s assistance or wishing to report dubious job schemes are encouraged to contact the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) hotline immediately at +855 9888 8771 (Telegram/ WhatsApp/ Viber) or email phnompenhpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.

The Embassy requests concerned citizens to help in the widest dissemination of this advisory through their friends and relatives. Let us proactively take part in fostering the welfare and the safety of every overseas Filipino. Let us all help maintain the positive image of our Filipino communities abroad.