POEA warns job recruiters, applicants of online scams

THE PHILIPPINE Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has warned local recruitment agencies and job applicants about overseas employment offers via e-mail from foreign manpower agencies.

POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said Omegal Manpower Services Ltd., which claims to be based in Ireland, is offering commissions to manpower brokers or individuals that can supply workers for jobs in Canada, Mexico and Europe.

In its e-mail, Omegal promises local recruiters an amount equivalent to one month’s salary of every worker supplied.

But an internet search revealed that Omegal Manpower Services Ltd. did not exist, Cacdac said.

He also warned applicants about job offers on fake websites and Facebook pages, especially those that require the payment of fees.

“Job applicants should also ignore unsolicited e-mail offering jobs in hotels and hospitals but require fees for testing, interview and language seminars or visa orientation,” Cacdac said.

Cacdac advised applicants to validate the authenticity of job offers through the website poea.gov.ph, mobile phone applications, or hotlines 7221144 and 7221155. Tina G. Santos