Overseas Gold Rush Turns into a Nightmare! Frequent Fraud Cases – How to Protect Yourself?
In recent years, criminal organizations have used enticing offers such as "high salaries, no experience required, and easy work" to lure people abroad for illegal fraud or gambling activities, only for them to end up as victims. Police warn that many individuals, eager for lucrative jobs overseas, fall for these scams and become illegally detained, subjected to violence, or even sold multiple times. The National Police Agency urges the public to remain highly vigilant to avoid legal trouble or dangerous situations.Rising Cases of Overseas Job Scams in Southeast AsiaAccording to statistics from the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, incidents involving Taiwanese citizens traveling to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos for telecom fraud and other illegal activities—leading to arrests, restrictions on their freedom, or even going missing—have been steadily increasing. Investigations reveal that criminal groups often recruit victims through social media, using tactics such as fake job offers, fake travel opportunities, forced loans, or even kidnappings. Many victims unknowingly become human trafficking targets and are later forced to participate in fraudulent activities, facing severe legal consequences in foreign countries.Government Crackdown on International Job ScamsRecently, Executive Yuan Minister Lin Ming-Hsin held a press conference where the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the National Police Agency worked alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Administration, the National Immigration Agency, and the Civil Aeronautics Administration to strengthen awareness campaigns against overseas scams. Xie Yue-Peng, a stunt performer once deceived into working abroad, shared his personal experience to warn the public about fraudulent job offers.Raising Awareness on Overseas Job Fraud Prevention (Photo / Screenshot from Criminal Investigation Bureau Website)The Tourism Administration has urged travel agencies to educate travelers on potential risks, while airport authorities and the Civil Aeronautics Administration have teamed up with the National Police Agency to reinforce airport warnings against fake high-paying overseas job ads. This aims to intercept victims before departure and prevent further cases. Additionally, a rescue mechanism has been established for Taiwanese victims seeking help while onboard a flight to Southeast Asia, ensuring airlines provide full assistance. The police have also identified recruiters operating in Taiwan and are actively investigating these criminal networks.Process for Preventing Citizens from Being Scammed into Overseas Jobs (Photo / Screenshot from CIB Director’s Office FB)Police Provide Helplines for VictimsThe National Police Agency urges citizens to beware of enticing online job offers, especially those promoting "easy, high-paying jobs" in Southeast Asia with promises of free accommodation and meals. Those who suspect fraudulent job offers should call the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline or contact the Taiwan Employment Service Center at 0800-777-888 for verification.If trapped overseas, victims can call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Contact Center at 0800-085-095 or seek assistance at Taiwanese embassies and consulates.Minister Lin emphasized that the government is committed to strengthening anti-fraud and rescue measures to prevent more Taiwanese citizens from falling victim to overseas job scams. The police urge the public to thoroughly research job offers, maintain communication with family members, and remain cautious to avoid irreversible consequences.
