OFWs in Malaysia warned vs scams by 'Internet friends'

MANILA, Philippines –  The Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur warned yesterday against financial scams often targeting female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with well-paying jobs.

The embassy issued the warning after receiving numerous complaints from Filipinos based not only in Malaysia but in other countries saying that they have been victims of well-laid financial scams.

The swindlers often target women OFWs with well-paying jobs in reputable companies. They also use bogus documents and bogus names of Malaysian officials to support their spurious claims.

The OFWs were deceived into parting with their money by “Internet friends” who befriend them first, then gradually foist on them various scams. Some involve valuable packages that must be claimed immediately and others involve job offers, all of which require OFWs to shell out money.

One particular scam also has the “Internet friend” e-mailing the OFW’s relatives and friends that the OFW has been detained by Malaysian authorities and needs money to post bail.

The embassy warned OFWs to seek advice from the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate before committing to dubious offers.