DOLE warns vs. fake job offers on social media

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday warned jobseekers against fake social media pages and accounts offering local and overseas jobs.

DOLE issued the warnng after its Information and Publication Service (IPS) received a report from jobseeker who claimed to have discussed a local job opportunity with a certain Arthur Villena who allegedly working at DOLE.

The jobseeker said she saw this job opportunity posted on "DOLE Job Assistance-Local and Abroad" Facebook page with several other job offers in the local and overseas.

DOLE said the page used the department's official logo, posted pictures of trainings, and a photo of former Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

The jobseeker then called the number 0935-743-0054 that was posted on the page. She was reportedly instructed by Arthur to send P1,000 for "reservation fee" through mobile money transfer.

After sending the payment, Mary said Arthur set a meeting with her at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila to assist her for the job application. However, no one showed up at the meeting and Arthur stopped answering calls.

The jobseeker was then prompted to seek assistance from DOLE.

Upon verification, no "Arthur Villena" appeared on the official roster of employees of DOLE. It was also learned that the DOLE Job Assistance-Local and Abroad Facebook page was a fake account.

DOLE IPS already reported the page and coordinated with the management of Facebook to shut down the account.

According to DOLE, they encountered numerous social media accounts and pages with the same scheme.

DOLE advised jobseekers to visit the official website of DOLE at www.dole.gov.ph, the PhilJobNet at www.philjobnet.gov.ph for local job posting.

For overseas job orders and verification of licensed and accredited recruitment agencies in the country, DOLE advised the public to check the website of the POEA at www.poea.gov.ph. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News