“I lost more than Php 80,000 to a fake online job and I don’t know what to do.”
This is the story of a Filipino breadwinner who was scammed by a group pretending to offer online work. At first, the tasks seemed easy — following TikTok accounts for small payments.
The first payouts made it look real, but trouble began when he was asked to send bigger amounts of money to “unlock” higher commissions. Hoping to earn more, he borrowed money and even took out loans to comply, only to find out it was all fake.
Sadly, many Filipinos go through the same thing. Job scam syndicates and pseudo-BPO operations target job seekers and breadwinners who are desperate to earn a good living.
Some operate as fraudulent BPM (business process management) companies or illegal call centers, while others pose as seemingly legitimate agencies while committing recruitment fraud.
To protect yourself, it’s important to understand how these outsourcing scams operate and how to spot a legitimate opportunity for online work:
What Are Outsourcing and Online Job Scams?
Outsourcing scams trick people into thinking they are applying for legitimate work.
They may look real at first — showing small payouts, fake testimonials, or even fraud operations disguised as POGO-style scam hubs.
Their goal is simple: squeeze every peso they can from you before they leave you high and dry.
On the other hand, legitimate online jobs never ask you to pay upfront. Real companies pay you for your work, not the other way around.
They also have clear contracts, proper communication channels, and registered operations that you can usually verify online.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines
Under the Labor Code of the Philippines, illegal recruitment refers to any recruitment activity carried out without authorization by law or a valid license.
Illegal recruitment under the Labor Code covers the following:
- Canvassing or enlisting workers.
- Contracting or transporting workers.
- Utilizing them in employment.
- Promising or advertising for employment.
With or without any payment.
If recruiters or agencies do any of these without a valid license, those are grounds for illegal recruitment.
Connection to Scams: The Howey Test
In addition, some job offers may also disguise themselves as “investment opportunities.”
To check if it’s an investment scam scheme, you can use the Howey Test, which identifies if an arrangement qualifies as an investment contract when it involves:
- An investment of money.
- A common enterprise (one common fund).
- The expectation of profits, but derived solely from the others also buying in (e.g., you recruiting more members who will also put in money).
If the “investment” fits all the criteria above, it may be an investment contract that requires registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rather than gainful employment.
Examples of scams that follow these patterns include:
Common Types of Outsourcing/Online Job Scams
Scammers use different tricks to make their offers look real. Some start small and are generally harmless, while others rope you in for a big commitment right away:
Fake Online Task Offers
These scams usually start with very simple jobs — following social media accounts, liking posts, or clicking links. At first, they pay small amounts to make it look real.
Later, victims are asked to “invest” money to unlock bigger tasks or commissions.
Example: The TikTok “follow-for-cash” scheme, where people are paid a few pesos per follow, then pressured to deposit larger amounts to earn more.
In the end, the scammer disappears with the money.
Upfront Payment / Advance Fee Scams
Some scammers pretend to be agencies or recruiters and ask for “processing fees,” “membership fees,” or “training costs” before you can start working. Once they get the payment, they vanish.
Example: Fake job posts that require Php 500 – Php 5,000 for “account activation” or “software access.” Legitimate employers never ask for money when they hire you.
Identity Theft Through Job Scams
Not all scams aim to steal your money from the get go – they’re after something that’s even more valuable: your identity.
Some fake job postings collect sensitive information like IDs, bank account details, or government documents under the pretense of background checks.
These details are then used for illegal activities like catfishing for money, immigration fraud, romance scam operations, or even human trafficking in BPOs.
Example: A supposed “online HR” asking for a copy of your passport or SSS/PhilHealth ID as part of the application.
Misleading Job Platforms or Agencies
Some websites or recruiters look professional but are completely fake. They use convincing names, fake testimonials, and even official-looking contracts. Victims only realize later that the agency is unlicensed or that the job offer never existed.
Example: A “virtual assistant agency” that promises guaranteed clients but requires you to pay a subscription fee each month, only to disappear once you’ve paid.
SMS / DM (Text or Direct Message) Scams
Fraudsters send job offers through text messages, emails, or direct messages on social media. These often sound urgent or too good to be true, with promises of easy money for little effort.
Example: A random text claiming, “Earn Php 5,000 a day just by liking YouTube videos. Click this link to register.” Once you click, you’re led to fake sites that steal your data or money.
Pyramid / Multi-level / Referral / Network Scams
These scams make you believe you’ll earn big by recruiting others, not by doing actual work. The cycle continues until no new members join, and most people end up losing their money.
Example: A scheme that asks you to pay Php 1,000 to join, then promises you’ll earn back Php 10,000 if you get five more people to sign up under you.
Money Mule Schemes
Scammers trick people into moving money for them, often under the cover of a “remote finance job.” In reality, this money usually comes from fraud or illegal activities, and the victim unknowingly becomes part of the crime.
Example: A “payment processing job” where you receive money in your bank account and are told to forward it elsewhere, keeping a small cut as “commission.”
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Scammers often use the same patterns to trick people. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to walk away.
Offers That Sound Too Good To Be True
If a job promises high pay for very little work, it’s likely a scam. Real employers don’t pay thousands of pesos just for clicking links or liking posts.
Example: “Earn Php 20,000 a week working only 1 hour a day.”
Requests for Sensitive Information
Be careful if a recruiter asks for your personal data much too early on in the application process.
Scammers often collect sensitive information like bank account details, government IDs, or even passport copies to commit fraud.
While some legitimate companies may ask for valid IDs after hiring for contracts or payroll, it’s unusual to request these documents during the initial application stage.
Example: A supposed recruiter asking for a scanned copy of your passport or SSS/PhilHealth ID before you’ve even been interviewed or signed a contract.
Lack of Company Transparency
If you can’t find clear information about the company, its registration, or even its official website, that’s a red flag.
A real company will have contact details and an online presence you can verify.
Example: A supposed “global outsourcing agency” with no business address, no client reviews, and only an email address on a free domain.
Pressure to Pay for “VIP Membership” or Training
Some scams trick you into thinking you need to pay a fee before you can start working. Legitimate companies provide training for free or after you’re hired, not before.
Example: Being told to pay Php 2,000 for a “VIP access package” to start getting projects.
How to Protect Yourself From Job Scams
Falling for job fraud can cost you money, time, and even put your personal information at risk.
The good news is, there are practical steps you can take to spot red flags early and keep yourself safe when applying online.
Verify Employers Before Applying
Check if the company is legitimate by vetting their website, social media presence, and online reviews.
For local employers, registered operations can usually be searched through government databases such as the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) or DTI (Department of Trade and Industry).
For foreign companies, confirm their registration in their home country and check if they have a consistent and verified digital presence (official website, LinkedIn company page, or industry listings).
Be cautious if they only use free email addresses (like Gmail or Yahoo) or if their online information doesn’t match their claims.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Legitimate employers won’t ask for sensitive details like your bank account, full address, or government IDs at the application stage.
Only provide necessary information once you’re certain the company is legitimate and the job offer is real.
Use Trusted Job Portals
Stick to reputable platforms such as Remote Staff, where employers are pre-screened and job postings are verified.
This reduces your risk of falling victim to fake BPO companies or fraudulent BPM recruiters.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed (or Are About To Be)
Realizing you’ve been tricked by outsourcing scams can feel overwhelming — but acting quickly can reduce the damage.
Even if you only suspect you’re about to be scammed, it’s important to take immediate steps.
Quick Action Tips:
- Document everything – Take clear screenshots of chats, receipts, emails, or suspicious profiles. These will serve as proof when filing a complaint or reporting the scam.
- Stop all contact with the scammer – Don’t send more money or share more details. Block their number, email, or account.
- Secure your accounts – Change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and alert your bank if you shared financial details.
- Freeze transactions – If you sent money through a bank or e-wallet (GCash, Maya, PayPal), contact them immediately to request a freeze or reversal.
Filing a Complaint With Authorities (DOLE, POEA, NBI Cybercrime Division)
If the scam is job-related, you can file an official complaint with the agencies listed below:
Reporting to Online Platforms
If you can’t visit offices in person, many government agencies now provide online channels where you can directly file complaints about scams and fraudulent activities.
These options make it easier to report issues anytime, anywhere.
PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG)
- Email: acg@pnp.gov.ph
- Online submission via PNP website / e-Sumbong interface
NBI Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD)
- Online form: https://nbi.gov.ph/report-to-nbi/
- Email: ccd@nbi.gov.ph
I-ARC / CICC
- SMS or voice hotline: 1326
- Portal via Scam Watch Pilipinas
Seeking Financial/Legal Help
If you’ve already shared money or personal details, act immediately:
- Banks / E-wallets (GCash, Maya, PayPal) – Request a freeze, chargeback, or reversal immediately.
- Lawyers / Public Attorneys Office (PAO) – Free or low-cost legal help is available if you need to file formal cases.
- Support groups / NGOs – Some organizations offer counseling and guidance for scam victims.
Secure Your Future with Legit Online Jobs
Getting scammed does not mean you were careless or foolish — scammers are skilled at exploiting people’s trust and vulnerabilities.
They prey on breadwinners, fresh graduates, and job seekers who just want to earn an honest living.
The best defense is awareness, vigilance, and action.
By learning how outsourcing scams operate, watching out for red flags, and reporting suspicious activity, you protect not just yourself but also other Filipinos who might fall for the same tricks.
Online work is a legitimate and growing industry in the Philippines, and there are many safe, rewarding opportunities available.
Remote Staff offers legit online jobs, including virtual assistant jobs and other remote roles with real clients, helping Filipino professionals find secure and long-term work online.
Sign up with Remote Staff today!
