The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) warned Overseas Filipino Workers in dealing with foreign recruiters in their host country who offer jobs in another country.

Labor secretary Rosalinda Baldoz cites a report from an OFW in Taiwan who filed an illegal recruitment complaint with the Mnaila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) against Yamsuan and Associates, a recruitment agency who has been allegedly recruiting OFWs in and from Taiwan to work in Canada.

Based on a report sent by Philippine Overseas Labor Office (Taipei) to DOLE, Marlon Omus paid NT$56,000 to Lillian Jou Villalon and Aida Muñoz, both associated with Yamsuan and Associates, as payment for his deployment to Canada.

Unfortunately, Omus never heard from the two recruiters again after he was issued receipt of his payment and several e-mail exchanges.

In his report, Labor Attache to Taipei Rey Conferido said that several complaints against Yamsuan and Associates operating in Taiwan have already reached the labor office.

“I am once again calling on jobseekers, especially to those who would want to pursue a career abroad, to be vigilant and alert in their dealings with recruitment firms. It would also help if they familiarize themselves with the modus operandi of illegal recruiters to avoid becoming victims of recruitment scams and fake job offers,” Baldoz said.

“There are a lot of tempting offers to work abroad, some of them are legitimate and real, but there are still those who are taking advantage of other people through illegal recruitment. That’s why we are strongly encouraging everyone to meticulously examine the recruitment agency and the persons they are dealing with before handing them over their hard-earned money,” Baldoz further added.

To identify illegal recruiters, read 12 Characteristics of an Illegal Recruiter

To report illegal recruiters/agencies, go to the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate in your host country or if you’re still in the Philippines, contact Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) at 7221144-55.