Fresh out of college, Alex discovered an administrative assistant role online that was based in Bangkok. Attracted by a promising salary and opportunities, he quickly accepted the offer. However, his dream job turned into a nightmare when he was transported to Myanmar, cut off from his family, and forced into a scam centre as part of an online human trafficking scheme.*
Earlier this year, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced that since September 2021, 331 out of 470 victims of online human trafficking, mainly job scam syndicates, have been rescued. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sarawak Regional Office Director Fenny Nuli, Sarawakians, particularly aged 19 to 20, constitute the highest number of job scam victims in Malaysia, with 54 cases recorded from 2021 to February this year.
These traffickers are attacking our youth, and we need to act now!
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The Digital Danger for Fresh Graduates
To dive deeper into this issue, I spoke to Onysha and Alia Abrar from Project Liber8, and here’s what I learned: Youth are more likely to fall victim to job scams and love scams. Fresh graduates with little to no job experience are particularly vulnerable. They are more likely to fall for fake job postings online and, in the case of love scams, fake profiles.
It doesn’t help that the convenience of social media and advancements in digital tech like AI make it harder to spot these online human trafficking schemes. Traffickers can easily create professional-looking advertisements and logos with platforms like Canva.
The trends that Onysha and Alia have observed is that traffickers often use WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook to lure victims with promises of high salaries and overseas opportunities.
Economic Pressures and Youth Vulnerability
It might be easier to blame the youth, but the reality is they are just looking for better opportunities in a challenging economy. With living costs rising but wages staying the same, today’s youth feel a sense of urgency to earn as much as possible, as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, Onysha shared that youth are more adventurous and willing to explore international job opportunities, especially if they offer better pay and living conditions. This situation is worsened by limited local opportunities and the ongoing economic fallout from COVID-19.
The Project Liber8 duo highlighted a common red flag when applying for jobs: employers who insist on handling immigration paperwork without providing clear details or proper documentation. Obtaining international work permits and visas requires thorough communication and cooperation between both parties. An overly simplified process and the employer’s excessive willingness to do the paperwork should raise concerns about the job’s legitimacy.
Protecting Ourselves from Online Human Trafficking
So, what can we do to avoid being a victim to online human trafficking? Here are some tips:
1. Research the job and migration process
Before applying, thoroughly check the company’s website, reviews, and contact information. Be wary of generic email addresses or phone numbers. Research recruiters’ backgrounds and credentials. For jobs abroad, understand the required documents and verify the job’s legitimacy with the embassy.
2. Consult trusted people
Seek advice from friends and family experienced in job hunting. They can spot potential red flags and provide valuable guidance.
3. Know your employment rights!
Educate yourself on relevant labor laws, including minimum wage, working hours, overtime pay, and workplace safety. Read your employment contract thoroughly and ensure all agreements are clear and documented. Discuss any terms you disagree with the employer.
4. Report the Scammer
If you’ve come across a fake job ad on social media, received a fraudulent job offer via email, or have fallen victim to a job scam, file an official Police report immediately. Reporting scammers helps raise awareness and protects others from becoming victims. You can also report to Cyber999.
Taking Action for a Safer Future
Online human trafficking is a serious threat, especially for us youth. The promise of better opportunities and high-paying jobs can lead us into the hands of traffickers. It’s crucial for young people to stay informed, vigilant, and cautious when seeking job opportunities online. By understanding the risks and knowing how to protect ourselves, we can avoid falling victim to these dangerous schemes. Together, we can combat this issue and create a safer future for all of us. Let’s spread awareness and take action now!
**The scenario depicted in this story is fictional but draws from various real-life cases reported online.
ABOUT PROJECT LIBER8
Project Liber8 empowers youth to combat human trafficking, forced labor, exploitation, and discrimination against trafficked victims, migrant workers, and refugees by shifting mindsets, behaviors, and attitudes. They educate the public and foster empathy through various programmes, including workshops at high schools and communities. For more information, visit Project Liber8’s Instagram and check out their TIP the Narrative campaign, which offers educational resources.
