World Day Against Trafficking in Persons • July 30
Human trafficking is the illegal recruitment or control of people for forced work, sexual exploitation, crime, or other forms of abuse.
It does not always begin with kidnapping. It can start with a job offer, a recruiter on social media, or someone promising high pay, free travel, or easy work.
Some victims accept jobs in another city or country, then find out that the job is not what was promised. Their passports may be taken. They may be threatened, forced to work without pay, or forced to commit crimes, including online scams.
Some people sending scam messages are also trafficking victims, forced by criminal groups to deceive others.
Before You Accept an Offer
• Be careful with unusually high pay for easy work or a job that is not clearly explained.
• Check if the company, recruiter, and job are real using official sources.
• For overseas work, verify the job and recruiter with the proper government agency before traveling.
• Do not accept a tourist or visit visa if you are being hired to work abroad.
• Do not pay recruitment or placement fees unless they are legally allowed, clearly explained, and covered by an official receipt.
• Do not send passport copies, IDs, bank details, or other sensitive information to an unverified recruiter.
• Read and understand the contract before signing.
• Do not allow anyone to keep your passport or travel documents to control you, force payment, or prevent you from leaving.
• Keep your own copies of your passport, contract, travel details, and important contacts.
• Tell your family or someone you trust where you are going, where you will stay, and who hired you.
• Walk away if the recruiter avoids questions, asks you to keep the job secret, or pressures you to decide or travel quickly.
If an offer seems suspicious, do not send money, documents, or personal information. Verify the offer first.
In the Philippines, you can report suspected human trafficking, ask questions, or request help by calling the IACAT Actionline at 1343. For overseas job concerns or suspected illegal recruitment, call the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) hotline at 1348. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ