THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued a stern warning against the growing number of POGO-like scam hubs abroad that continue to recruit and exploit Filipino workers.
Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to shut down POGOs in the Philippines, illicit online scam operations continue to thrive overseas, aggressively luring Filipinos with fake job offers.
These scam hubs operate similarly to illegal POGOs, forcing victims into fraudulent online activities such as catphishing and investment scams.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado disclosed that almost daily interceptions are being recorded at the country’s airports, with many victims recruited through social media and promised high-paying customer service jobs abroad.
“In 2024 alone, we intercepted 118 Filipinos linked to online scamming schemes. This year, we are seeing a more brazen approach, with traffickers constantly shifting their tactics,” Viado said.
The recent repatriation of 12 Filipinos trafficked to Myanmar further shows the rampant and dangerous nature of these scam hubs.
The victims, who were promised legitimate jobs but were instead forced to work as online scammers under inhumane conditions, were rescued through government efforts. They recounted being subjected to physical abuse, long work hours without pay, and even electric shocks as punishment.
Viado emphasized the need for vigilance and urged the public to report suspected illegal recruitment activities to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Hotline 1343.
“Our immigration officers remain on high alert, but we urge Filipinos to stay vigilant and verify job offers through legitimate government channels before traveling abroad,” he said. “The government is working tirelessly to protect you, but vigilance starts with you—be cautious and safeguard yourself from these scams,” he added.
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