A job offer can mark the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life, and being offered a work-from-home (WFH) job is more than just employment—it offers comfort and flexibility.
However, some offers are too good to be true. Fake job offers and WFH scams often trick people into sharing personal information or paying fees for jobs that don’t exist.
In 2024, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) received 10,004 online scam complaints, up 202 percent from 3,317 in 2023. Victims lost nearly P198 million in total.
Lawyer Ana Minelle Maningding, legal officer of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in the Ilocos region, affirmed that fake job scams are rampant on social media, where scammers post attractive offers.
In a phone interview on April 15, she said the Ilocos region receives about two complaints per month related to job scams.
“This is what they call a job task. They say that you can work from the convenience of your home, and then the money you used for the tasks will return double to you,” Maningding added.
This type of scam targets students looking for part-time jobs, graduates eager to start their careers, and even professionals searching for another source of income.
Maningding urged the public to stay vigilant and pointed out several red flags that help identify fake job offers and WFH scams.
She said these include companies that cannot be found online and job offers that don’t require a resume or biodata.
Other red flags are businesses not listed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), links that may lead to phishing sites, and unknown apps or numbers that can steal personal data.
Maningding said phishing sites often look like real ones but may have misspelled names or unusual web addresses.
To verify a business, check its name on the official websites of the SEC or DTI, which have updated lists of registered businesses.
Maningding warned the public about this so-called “easy money” scheme, as these applications might suddenly become unavailable, or the people behind them may no longer be reachable, making it impossible to recover either the money or the personal data already shared.
“Be wary if you are not given a clear job description or if you receive a blurry document–that is a red flag. It is also a scam if you are promised immediate payment or a high salary but are asked to send money first,” she said.
The NTC, which has jurisdiction over issues related to telecommunications, can block reported numbers and emails involved in scams.
For serious cases such as identity theft and electronic money fraud, Maningding encouraged victims to file complaints with the CICC via https://cicc.gov.ph or to report directly to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Meanwhile, she emphasized that the public should take preventive measures.
“If you suspect a scam, it is best to stop all communication and report it immediately. A quick online search may show if others have encountered similar scams, as these fraudsters are often exposed in public posts,” Maningding advised.
Job seekers are advised to use trusted job sites, check for official company emails, watch for bad grammar, avoid urgent offers, and ask questions to spot scams and stay safe online.
Trust your instincts—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. (CCMT/JCDR, PIA Pangasinan)
