Warning on Illegal Recruitment Scams and Fake Documents with the Resumption of Non-Essential Outbound Travel

October 27, 2020POEA ADVISORY NO. 146-20WARNING ON ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT SCAMS AND FAKE DOCUMENTS WITH THE RESUMPTION OF NON-ESSENTIAL OUTBOUND TRAVELWith the issuance of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 79 (series 2020) lifting the restrictions on non-essential outbound travel of Filipinos effective 21 October 2020, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) warns the public on illegal recruitment schemes using fake travel documents and misdeclaration of purpose of overseas travel. HTcADCIn August and September 2020, the Bureau of Immigration apprehended several individuals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for using forged travel documents, including visas and overseas employment certificates (OECs). Others have been apprehended for assuming false identities and using fake passports. Upon investigation, the apprehended individuals claim to be traveling as OFWs. The public is warned that possession and use of falsified documents, and assuming aliases and false identities are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment and fine.The public is also reminded that while outbound travel restrictions have been relaxed and non-essential travel is now allowed, all Filipinos...