BI warns of online scams targeting Japanese nationals

Japanese nationals are reportedly being targeted by online scammers, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

One of 26 repatriated human trafficking victims from Cambodia revealed that he was forced to work in a crypto scam targeting Japanese citizens after being initially hired as a translator.

The victim, who was promised a regular salary, only received a one-time payment of $2,500.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado noted this as a new trend where trafficked Filipinos are exploited as tools in online scams, rather than just targets.

The victim was recruited by a foreigner and trafficked through several Southeast Asian countries before ending up in Myanmar and Cambodia.

The BI is reiterating the dangers of using illegal exit points, which are frequently exploited by trafficking syndicates.