The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has launched its own Tiktok account to counter trafficking syndicates recruiting via the social media platform.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco shared that they have received numerous reports of young urban professionals being recruited via Tiktok, Facebook, and other messaging and social media applications to work abroad as cryptocurrency scammers.
Victims were offered as much as 1000 USD salary per month to work in call centers in various Asian countries, only to be forced to work as online scammers.
“Kailangang nating humabol,” said Tansingco. “These syndicates are using these new platforms in recruiting, hence we believe that we need to use the same channels to reach out to the younger audiences to remind them not to fall victim to these scams,” he added.
The BI earlier reported that the landscape of human trafficking victims has changed drastically, as recruiters are now targeting young urban professionals to work in shady jobs abroad.
Tansingco reminded aspiring OFWs to seek jobs only though legal means, through the assistance of the Department of Migrant Workers.
He added that human trafficking is a big societal problem that must be addressed in all aspects.
“Trafficking is a multi-faceted issue and must be addressed from its roots,” said Tansingco. “Government agencies must intensify their campaign against trafficking, starting with a massive information campaign to warn victims,” he added.
The BI’s official account on Tiktok is immigph. (JERRY S. TAN)
