Scammers are impersonating officials to take advantage of Filipino workers seeking help.
Dubai: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE have been advised to stay alert following a rise in scams related to travel assistance programs amid ongoing regional tensions.
In a recent advisory, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai and the Northern Emirates warned that reports have surfaced of individuals and groups falsely claiming to provide travel services to the Philippines on behalf of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
“We have received reports of individuals and groups falsely offering assistance to OFWs in exchange for fees or personal information,” the MWO stated.
How the scam works
The MWO explained that scammers exploit workers looking to travel to the Philippines by posing as authorized representatives. They create a sense of urgency and legitimacy, persuading victims to pay for their “services.”
The agency has urged the public to refrain from dealing with unauthorized individuals, agents, or social media accounts.
Furthermore, the MWO emphasized that personal information should not be shared, nor money sent, to unverified sources to prevent exploitation.
How to avoid falling victim
The MWO reiterated that all services from the DMW are processed exclusively through official websites and social media channels.
“We urge everyone to carefully follow the official guidelines and communicate only through our authorized channels for any assistance or inquiries,” the MWO stated.
The agency also advised OFWs to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
