DFA warns of scams offering jobs in Portugal

The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon has warned Filipinos of a new online scam offering  entry/working visas for Portugal in exchange for cash.

The Embassy issued the warning following an upsurge in the number of Filipinos who have been victimized or have received emails from alleged companies or law firms in Portugal which offer jobs and/or promise to process entry/visa permits for employment through payment of exorbitant fees by money transfer.

In some cases, unscrupulous individuals have misrepresented real and even reputable companies in Portugal by using information on their websites but replacing their contact information. These individuals require payment of fees for “Entry-Clearance Certificates,” “International /Overseas Employment Certificates-(I/OEC)” and “Affidavits of Guarantee Fund,” all of which are not required by Portuguese authorities. The IOEC that these individuals are  asking payment for is not the OEC legitimately issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

"The public is hereby advised to exercise due diligence and caution in dealing with unverified parties to avoid being victimized by these scams. Be aware that business companies with international dealings rarely hire employees solely on the basis of a curriculum vitae but will always require personal interviews," the embassy said.

It added that  prospective employees should likewise be wary of job offers from individuals who ask for fees for testing or processing of documents prior to employment because this is a sure sign of a scam.

The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon has been requesting companies in Portugal to issue  their own public advisories. It is also coordinating with local police authorities.

Filipinos who wish to travel or work in Portugal or have other transactions may contact the Portuguese Embassy in Jakarta through, the following contact information:

Embassy of Portugal
Jalan Indramayu No.2 Menteng 10310
Jakarta, Indonesia
Phone: +6-221-319-0830; +6-221-319-08022
Fax: +6-221-319-08031
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The public may also contact the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal at [email protected].