Camille Naredo

Article (news)

THUMBNAIL-CYBER

Darylle Sarmiento

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Daily income, daily payouts, simple tasks, vacation leave packages, transactions through online messaging applications, and bonus cash upon application.Sounds enticing? A flashy deal that promises minimal effort for maximum reward? It could be a red flag.Being asked to pay reservation fees during the application process is another warning sign.Job seekers are urged to be cautious of these “too-good-to-be-true” online employment offers.“Beware of the too good to be true offers. Kung masyadong maganda yung offer, masyadong malaki yung kita na sinasabi na salary natin and also pag may mga reviews doon basahin din natin. Kasi, kadalasan sila din mismo gumagawa ng mga reviews at pinopost sa mismong platform,” Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group spokesperson Lt. Wallen Mae Arancillo said.According to data from the PNP-ACG, a total of 385 online employment scam cases were reported for the entire year of 2025.From January 1 to February 26 this year alone, 13 incidents have already been recorded.Various job offers continue to circulate online, including roles such as virtual assistants, with companies advertising both in-person and work-from-home setups.Local and overseas employment opportunities are widely posted to attract job seekers, often featuring highly enticing offers that easily draw attention.However, most -- if not all -- of these postings with very promising claims eventually turn out to be scams.So, what should a person do if he or she becomes a victim of a scam?1. Take screenshots of conversations with the individual on the specific social media platform. 2. Secure screenshots of any transaction history, such as those from mobile banking apps, e-wallets, or other financial accounts. 3. Gather all necessary documents that may serve as evidence, as these are crucial to the investigation process. 4. Report the incident to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group.Authorities remind the public to report incidents immediately upon realizing they have been scammed, emphasizing that prompt reporting is essential.“Timely reporting is very important, since yun nga yung mga ginagamit na accounts ay pwede nilang i deactivate and it would be a challenge na naman sa atin. Kasi, kailangan po natin mag apply sa court ng cyber warrant para i implement doon sa social media platform na ginamit nung scammer,”  Lt. Arancillo added.Individuals who pose as employers and are found to be scammers may face charges under Article 315 (Swindling or Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.According to the PNP, they now have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with these social media platforms and messaging applications to intensify and expedite investigations related to online employment scams and other types of online fraud.

Job seekers are urged to be cautious of these “too-good-to-be-true” online employment offers.

Job seekers are urged to be cautious of these “too-good-to-be-true” online employment offers.

PNP warns against 'too good to be true' online job offers

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PNP warns against 'too good to be true' online job offers

Darylle Sarmiento,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 19, 2026 01:18 AM PHT

Read More:

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PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group

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