The news I heard recently about a South African couple now stuck in the Philippines because they were duped by someone (from the Philippines no doubt) who offered them jobs here in the Philippines. Jobs that unfortunately weren't real.
The details went like this. The couple was promised beach resort management positions here in the Philippines by Franz Baumann and Alan Gonzaga who made contact with them online. The resort was to be located in Panglao island. It would have been such a cool job if only it were for real. The worst thing here is that this South African couple sent over $350 US dollars to process their work permits and other paper works. These guys should stop it, they're just giving Filipinos a bad name, and we've already got a bad rep as it is.
This prompted Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque to issue a warning not only to foreigners, but also to Filipinos who tap the Internet for job prospects.
TIPS on how to avoid being scammed by a fictitious employer:
- When applying for a job, get to know the employer with whom you would like to work with.
- If they are an online company, research their domain name. Check their status in the industry. It will benefit you to learn about the company not only in the interview stage but as you move forward you will also be able to evaluate if you do indeed want to work in that company.
- Ask around. Feedback from previous employees and/ or news about a certain employer may not always be accurate as they are on a case to case basis, but these will help you weigh the pros and cons, as well as the company's credibility and authenticity
- DON'T PAY to get hired. The company is supposed to pay you and not the other way around. The purpose of your employment is for you to provide the service (or do your job) while the company compensates you. This is how it should go.
- Beware of employers who ask you to shell out cash for the employment process. If they do not have enough money to hire you then most likely, they will not have enough money to keep you employed (or enough money to run their business), which means either way they may not be a stable company to work for
