RP embassy in Berlin uncovers scam victimizing Pinoy job seekers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine embassy in Berlin has uncovered another scam victimizing Filipino job seekers through electronic mail.

The scam was discovered after two Filipinas sought the assistance of the embassy to check the authenticity of a German company that allegedly hired them.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the embassy said the two Filipinas contacted the diplomatic post to verify the background of Markel-Power International, allegedly located in Bremen, Germany, which informed them through e-mail that they would be hired by the firm.

The company advised the job seekers that for their recruitment to be completed, they have to pay 70 euro through the Western Union to an employment company in Monza, Italy.

The embassy later found that Markel-Power International is non-existent, not registered with the Bremen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has a fictitious address, no telephone and fax numbers, and is using a host in the United States for its English website.

“The embassy is convinced that this recruitment scheme is another variation of the Nigerian 4-1-9 advanced fee scam designed to victimize innocent Filipino job seekers,” Chargé d’Affaires Christine Queenie Mangunay said.

The Nigerian 4-1-9 scam, also known as the Nigerian Advance Fee scheme, is a worldwide scam that involves the receipt of an unsolicited letter allegedly from a Nigerian Central Bank employee or from the Nigerian government.

It is named after the section of the Nigerian penal code which addresses fraudulent schemes.– Pia Lee-Brago