Since 2024, there has been an alarming rise in scam job ads targeting job seekers in Asia, especially those aged 15 to 30. Affected countries includes: Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and European countries. These fraudulent offers promise “3-Day Temporary Jobs” with enticing benefits, such as a return ticket, only to lure unsuspecting individuals into dangerous and confusing situations. This travel advisory outlines the scam’s tactics, highlights some of the bizarre recruitment tasks being offered, and provides essential tips for staying safe during your travels.
Age Profile
Many scam operations intentionally target individuals between the ages of 15 and 30. The preference for this age group stems from the belief that younger recruits type faster and think more quickly—traits that can enhance the efficiency of these scams. Furthermore, even as these individuals grow older after joining, they still retain the youthful characteristics deemed valuable by the scam centers, thereby extending their utility within these operations.
How the Scam Works
1. The Bait
Fraudsters circulate ads promising short-term, temporary jobs lasting 1 to 3 days. The job descriptions are deliberately varied and often include unusual or sensational tasks such as:
Pick Up Gold: Victims are told they must collect a shipment of gold.
Retrieve a Rare Cat: One ad claimed the job was to pick up a rare cat in Bangkok and transport it back to Taiwan.
Shopping Assistance: Another task involves helping a customer in a respective country shop for items on a provided list.
These tasks, while seemingly exotic and lucrative, are all structured to last only 3 days, making the opportunity appear like a quick and easy way to earn money.
2. False Promises and Pre-Arranged Itineraries
Arrival Instructions: Once you land at Bangkok Airport, the scam begins in earnest. A fake recruiter will immediately instruct you to proceed to a specific location—commonly Basement 2 of the airport.
Unusual Movement: You will be directed to take the airport train to Gate D6. There, a local staff member will greet you and guide you through a “fast-track” process (known as 快速通道) to get your passport stamped. Importantly, you will be instructed not to exit through the main area, a detail that should trigger immediate suspicion.
Suspicious Return Ticket: To add legitimacy to the scam, the recruiter will sometimes purchase a return ticket for you. However, according to a victim testimonial, this return ticket is shown merely as a prop—the ticket is later canceled without notice, leaving you stranded or in a precarious situation.
Final Transfer: Shortly after the passport stamping, a driver and an agent will pick you up and transport you to Mae Sot. The sudden move to this unfamiliar location is designed to disorient you and further isolate you from any support.
Travel Advisory: How to Protect Yourself
Before You Travel
Research Thoroughly: If you come across any job offer that appears too good to be true, verify the information using official company websites and trusted recruitment platforms. Do not rely solely on social media posts or online ads.
Consult Reputable Travel Advisories: Check for travel warnings and advisories from official sources regarding scams or unusual recruitment practices in your destination.
At the Airport
Stay Alert: If you receive instructions directing you to unconventional areas—such as a basement or a specific gate—pause and reconsider. Legitimate employers will not require you to follow such obscure procedures.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Be cautious if asked to leave the main terminal areas. In such cases, contact airport security or a trusted official immediately.
Protect Your Documents
Secure Your Passport:
Never hand over your passport or other personal documents until you are absolutely certain of the offer’s legitimacy. If in doubt, seek help from airport authorities or your embassy.
If You Suspect a Scam
Report Immediately: Contact local law enforcement or your country’s embassy to report any suspicious job offers or activities. Early reporting can help protect others from falling victim.
Inform Fellow Travelers: Share your experience and alert friends, family, and online communities about the scam. Awareness is a powerful tool against these fraudulent schemes.