Prospective overseas Filipino workers were warned Monday against online scams offering job opportunities, as well as entry and working visas, in Portugal.
In a statement, the Foreign Affairs Department said the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon had noted a rise in the number of OFWs victimized by the scam.
"The Embassy has recently noted an upsurge in the number of Filipinos who have been victimized or have received emails from alleged companies or law firms in Portugal who offer jobs and/or promise to process entry/visa permits for employment through payment of exorbitant fees by money transfer," it said.
It said the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon has requested companies in Portugal to issue their own public advisories. Also, it is coordinating with local police authorities to address the problem.
The DFA said that in some cases, "unscrupulous individuals" even misrepresented reputable companies in Portugal by "using information on their websites but replacing their contact information."
It said the scammers then require fees for “Entry-Clearance Certificates,” “International /Overseas Employment Certificates-(I/OEC)” and “Affidavits of Guarantee Fund.”
Also, it said the IOEC being required by the scanners is not the same as the OEC issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
For now, the DFA said Filipinos who wish to travel or work in Portugal may contact the Portuguese Embassy in Jakarta at:
- Phone: +6-221-319-0830; +6-221-319-08022
- Fax: +6-221-319-08031
- Email: poremjak@cbn.net.id, poremjak@jakarta.dgaccp.pt, mail@jakarta.dgaccp.pt
They may also contact the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal at filipinas.emb.lisbon@gmail.com.
Due diligence
The DFA also urged the public to "exercise due diligence and caution" in dealing with unverified parties.
"Be aware that business companies with international dealings rarely hire employees solely on the basis of a curriculum vitae but will always require personal interviews," it said.
Also, it said prospective employees should be "wary of job offers from individuals who ask for fees for testing or processing of documents prior to employment because this is a sure sign of a scam." — RSJ, GMA News
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