Organized crime groups in the Mekong region are estimated to steal US$ billions annually through online scams and fraud. The shocking part? They target young, tech-savvy people like you, often well-educated and multilingual, forcing them into committing these crimes. Many victims are trafficked from the Global South, including Thailand!

Here are some commonly used tricks by traffickers to deceive victims, including women, into online scam centers. Did you know of any of them?

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  Fake Job Ads on Social Media + Fake Job Ads on Social Media -

  Traffickers may post fake job ads for positions like customer service, marketing, and website administrator. They often switch to encrypted platforms to avoid detection and keep the conversation private.

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  Through Friends, Family, and Networks + Through Friends, Family, and Networks -

  That’s right. Traffickers may exploit trusted connections – friends, family members, or community contacts to share these “job” opportunities, making them seem legitimate.

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  Recruitment Agents or Agencies + Recruitment Agents or Agencies -

  Traffickers may also work with recruitment agents or agencies to lure people into scam centers. Sometimes, these agents have even offered real jobs in the past, which adds to the credibility.

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  Fake Companies + Fake Companies -

  Yes! Some traffickers may go as far as setting up fake companies, professional websites, emails, interview processes, and even work contracts to deceive you.

Once inside, victims, including women, are often exploited in these ways:

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  Criminal Activities + Criminal Activities -

  Victims are forced to carry out various online scams and fraud, such as investment, romance and impersonation scams.

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  Forced Labor + Forced Labor -

  Victims are forced to work long hours with minimal or no breaks.

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  Slavery and Slavery-Like Practices + Slavery and Slavery-Like Practices -

  Victims may be sold between scam centers to continue criminal activities and forced to repay fake debts, like “recruitment fees,” or pay for their release.

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  Threats of Organ Removal + Threats of Organ Removal -

  Victims may also face the terrifying threats of organ removal if they resist or fail to carry out scams.

On top of these exploitations, women and girls are especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation for resisting or failing to meet scam targets, including being forced into sexual slavery and pornography. These multi-layered exploitations cause intense trauma, severe anxiety, and depression, often leaving long-lasting impacts.

Whenever you see a job advertisement or receive a job offer online or through someone you know, be alert for these signs.

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  Is this Job Too Good to be True? + Is this Job Too Good to be True? -

  Do the salary and benefits match the job requirements and qualifications?

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  Is This Job From a Legitimate Company? + Is This Job From a Legitimate Company? -

  Is the job shared through personal social media accounts or personal connections without clear company information?

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  Does the Company Offering the Job Exist? + Does the Company Offering the Job Exist? -

  Check if the company name, website, social media, and communications exactly match that of the official company. Always check for spelling errors.

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  Is the Company in Charge of Your Travel and Safety? + Is the Company in Charge of Your Travel and Safety? -

  Traffickers may offer to manage your travel and even your documents and border crossings. Be careful—they could be taking you to a scam center without your knowledge

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  VERIFY + VERIFY -
  • The job details before accepting contracts or sharing personal documents.
  • The job’s legitimacy before agreeing to travel, accommodation or benefits.
  • Recruitment agencies’ legitimacy with the Ministry of Labour or relevant authorities before accepting jobs overseas.
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  STAY SAFE + STAY SAFE -

  Keep helpline numbers handy for support and safety.

  Thailand citizens may contact:

  • Social Assistance Center, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security: 1300
  • Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC): 1441
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  SHARE + SHARE -

  Spread this information to protect friends and family from being lured into online scam centers.