30 March 2005—The Philippine Embassy in Vienna warned job-seekers from falling prey to fraudulent advertisements published in Vienna that offer job opportunities in the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to Austria Victor G. Garcia III issued this warning after the Embassy received reports that a number of Austrian citizens have recently been victimized by fake offers for jobs in Manila.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Garcia said that the fake recruiters invite applicants responding to the advertisement to visit Manila for a job interview.   The applicants are then asked to transfer funds in advance to cover the cost  of air travel and the processing of travel papers.   No air tickets are issued, and because the companies are non-existent and are merely masquerading as legitimate operations, the funds are never recovered by the victims.

The Philippine Embassy has alerted authorities in Manila on this scam so that appropriate measures could be taken to arrest the perpetrators.

Ambassador Garcia urged job applicants “to carefully check the background of the companies and organizations issuing employment advertisement, before transacting any business with them.” The Embassy also urged particular caution against job opportunities advertised through e-mails or internet sites. END
 

/jay