Protect Yourself from Illegal Recruitment
Every year, thousands of kabayan are scammed by fake recruiters. Learn the warning signs, verify before paying, and report illegal recruitment.
10 Warning Signs of Illegal Recruitment
Charges placement fees before deployment
Legitimate direct-hire and most DMW-licensed processes never require upfront fees. Walk away.
Offers work on a tourist visa
Working abroad on a tourist visa is illegal and gets you deported. No real employer asks this.
Salary far above market rate
If the offer is double the going rate with no experience required, it's almost always a scam.
No DMW license number shown
PH-based recruiters must publish a valid DMW (formerly POEA) license number. No number = no deal.
Pressure to decide immediately
'Today only' or 'last slot' tactics exist to stop you from verifying. Take your time.
Money via personal GCash or remittance
Real agencies issue official receipts. Personal e-wallets or padala to individuals are red flags.
No written contract
Demand a signed employment contract in English before you pay anything or hand over documents.
Recruiting only through social media DMs
Legit agencies have a physical office and a verifiable DMW license. DM-only recruiters often disappear.
Promises a visa without naming the employer
A real job offer names the company, position, and host country. Vague 'we'll arrange everything' is a trap.
Asks you to hand over your passport
No one needs to 'hold' your passport. Keep it. Submit copies, never the original to a recruiter.
Based on public advisories from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
The ONLY way to verify a recruiter is through DMW
The Department of Migrant Workers is the official Philippine agency that licenses overseas recruiters. Verify any agency's license before paying or signing anything.
DMW Hotline
1348Naloko ka ba o may kahina-hinalang recruiter?
24/7 hotline for illegal recruitment
For criminal complaints and large-scale scams
Warn the FILus community — post your story
Disclaimer: FILus provides this information for education only and is not affiliated with DMW. Only the DMW can officially verify licensed recruitment agencies. Always verify before paying anything or signing any document.