BI warns of POGO-like scams luring Filipinos abroad

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expressed growing concern over the increasing number of Filipinos leaving to work for 'POGO-like' companies in other Asian countries.

Last year, around 118 Filipinos were stopped from leaving the country after being recruited by scam hubs posing as business process outsourcing (BPO) firms with promises of high salaries and free accommodations.

Recently, another 12 Filipinos were repatriated to the Philippines after being trafficked to Myanmar where they endured harsh conditions including passport confiscation, physical abuse, long work hours without pay, and even electric shocks as punishment.

Recruitment often occurs within legitimate BPOs where job offers are initially presented as customer service roles but turn into fraudulent operations in other countries.

BI Commissioner Josel Anthony Viado has urged Filipinos to stay vigilant and verify job offers through official government channels before traveling abroad, stressing that vigilance is key in protecting themselves from these scams.

In 2024 alone, the BI intercepted 118 Filipinos linked to online scamming schemes, with traffickers adopting more brazen tactics this year.

Viado emphasized that while immigration officers remain on high alert, public caution and verification of job offers through legitimate government channels are crucial in combating these scams.