Picture this: You wake up to an email informing you that you have been selected for an amazing international job that offers fantastic pay and benefits. You can’t believe your luck! You’re excited and eager to take on this new opportunity. But what if I told you that this seemingly perfect job offer could turn into a nightmare? It might sound far-fetched, but sadly, it’s true. There are recruitment scams taking place every day, and they’re becoming more and more sophisticated. Worse still, cybercriminals are now using human trafficking as a way to lure unsuspecting victims into their traps. It’s a scary thought, but one we all need to be aware of.
So read on to know all about this scam.
What is this scam?
Numerous well-educated and young individuals from various parts of the world are being deceived into moving to South East Asia, only to be trapped in isolated facilities and coerced into becoming online scammers who work non-stop. Once they are ensnared in this cycle, the scammers’ sole objective is to generate a significant amount of money.
Failure to hit profit targets, or any attempt to escape, leads to brutal punishments. The scams which they are forced to carry out are called “Pig Butchering.” They usually conduct this through fake social media accounts on platforms to reach out to prospective victims. Their goal is to find a victim and become their “friend” or “lover” in order to scam them out of their money.
What is their target audience?
The people who are trapped into working as online scammers are good at using computers and social media. They might have gone to college and can speak more than one language. Someone might contact them in different ways like talking to them in person, sending them a message they didn’t ask for, or showing them an ad online. They are told that they can make a lot of money by working in Southeast Asia.
Cybercriminals are currently sourcing their victims from Brazil, China, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, India, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, Uganda, the United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
Tips to avoid recruitment scams that traffic people to become scammers:
1. Research before applying:
When searching for a job, please do your research. Look for the company’s website and read more information about the open positions available. Check if the company has a good reputation through its clients’ feedback and reviews. You can also check their social media accounts to validate their operation. Do not rely on job posts that only require minimal information and offer high-paying compensation.
2. Verify the company:
During the interview process, make sure to verify the company. Ask for identification or authentication about the company profile and if they are registered. You can identify a legitimate job offer if the employer provides the necessary paperwork, including salary, contract terms, and the company’s legal documents.
3. Conduct your background check:
Make sure to do your own background check, too. This includes the company’s history, track records, and employee feedback. You can search for the company on regulatory agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
4. Do not give personal information:
When applying for a job, do not give your personal information, such as bank account details or credit card numbers. A legitimate employer asks for your personal information after they have offered you the job. Even during the hiring process, race, age, gender, and religion are not necessary to give.
5. Always trust your instincts:
It’s okay to say no, especially if the job offer seems too good to be true and is making you feel uncomfortable. If you are dealing with an unprofessional recruiter or if the job offer seems suspicious, it’s best to look for another job and not take the offer.