OFW Guide: POEA tips on how to spot fraudulent overseas job offers

Filipinos looking for work abroad should think twice before responding to job offers posted in newspapers and on the Internet if such ads lack vital data.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration also advised prospective OFWs to disregard ads with instructions for an interview in a hotel or private house.

“Job applicants should... disregard ads with instruction to report for an interview in a hotel room or private residence. These ads are most likely placed by fly-by-night or other unauthorized recruiters,” POEA head Hans Leo Cacdac said.

He also said ads that lack information but require applicants to submit bio-data and other documents through an e-mail address or post office box “should be avoided.”

The POEA said advertisements from licensed recruiters should have the following information:

- Name, address and POEA licensed number of the agency
- Work site of prospective principal/project
- Skill categories and qualification standards
- Number of available positions

Cacdac said only recruitment agencies licensed by the POEA are allowed to place advertisements for overseas jobs. Foreign employers may advertise only through these accredited agencies or through the POEA.

Advertisements for manpower pooling by licensed agencies should indicate in bold letters that it is for manpower pooling only, and no fees will be collected from applicants.

“The name, address and POEA license number of the agency, name and worksite of the prospective registered or accredited principal, and the skill categories and qualification standard are also specified," the POEA said.

Cacdac urged applicants to report illegal job advertisements through private message at www.facebook.com/mypoea. — Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News