Are you planning to work abroad or even locally? Before you sign anything or hand over your hard-earned money, it’s important to know one thing: how to spot and report illegal recruitment.
Many Filipinos fall victim to fake job offers every year. To counter this, we’ll break down everything you need to know so you can protect yourself and help others too.
What Is Illegal Recruitment?
Illegal recruitment happens when an individual or agency, without the proper license, offers employment—especially abroad.
Even licensed agencies can commit illegal recruitment if they use deceptive or prohibited practices.
Here are common examples:
- Collecting too much placement or processing fees
- Promising jobs that don’t exist
- Changing the contract terms after you sign (contract substitution)
- Sending workers abroad without permits
- Failing to deploy workers after collecting payment
Recruitment becomes large-scale if there are 10 or more victims, or syndicated if done by 3 or more people working together—both are criminal offenses with heavier penalties.
Where and How Can You Report It?
If you or someone you know suspects illegal recruitment, you can report it to the proper authorities depending on the situation:
For Overseas Recruitment Cases:
✅ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
📞 Hotline 1348 (Available 24/7)
🌐 dmw.gov.ph
For Local Recruitment Cases:
✅ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
📞 Hotline 1349
🗺️ Visit any regional DOLE office near you
For Criminal Cases or Fraud:
✅ PNP-CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group)
✅ National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
✅ Bureau of Immigration (BI) – for immigration-related violations
Ways to report:
- Walk-in (in-person at their office)
- Through hotline
- Via email
- Online complaint forms (many agencies allow anonymous tips)
Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint
You don’t need to be a legal expert to start a case—but you do need the right evidence and proper process. Here’s a quick guide:
- Gather Evidence
- Contracts (even unsigned ones)
- Receipts of payments
- Text messages, chats, or email conversations
- Screenshots, voice recordings, and pictures
- Names of witnesses or other victims
- Avoid confronting the recruiter yourself.
Let the law take its course. Your safety is important. - Go to the right agency.
Bring your documents and file an affidavit or complaint. - Cooperate with the investigation.
Attend hearings, submit evidence, and stay informed. - Follow up on your case.
Ask for updates and timelines from the agency you filed with.
What Are the Penalties?
Illegal recruitment is a criminal offense under Philippine law. Offenders can face:
- 6 years to life imprisonment (especially for large-scale or syndicated cases)
- Fines starting from ₱200,000 up to ₱5 million or more
- Permanent cancellation of recruitment license (if licensed)
- Civil damages to victims including refunds and compensation
If you can’t afford a lawyer, you may request free legal help from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
The best way to fight illegal recruitment is through prevention.
Here are tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
- Verify the agency’s license via dmw.gov.ph or call 1348
- Don’t pay any fee without a receipt
- Avoid recruiters who offer “backdoor” travel (like deploying you to another country via a third country)
- Be cautious of online job offers that sound too good to be true
- Check for official job orders listed under DMW
Reminder: The DMW has warned against third-country recruitment schemes (e.g., being sent to a non-accredited country through another country like the UAE). This is illegal and dangerous.
Special Cases You Can Report
Illegal recruitment isn’t limited to fake job offers.
You can also report these actions:
- Withholding your passport or IDs
- Online job scams on Facebook or messaging apps
- Fake training or seminar fees
- Human trafficking linked to employment offers
For these, you may also report to:
✅ Department of Justice (DOJ)
✅ Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT)
✅ DSWD for support services and counseling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I report illegal recruitment even if I already left the Philippines?
Yes. You can report illegal recruitment through email, hotlines, or by contacting the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Many embassies have direct communication with the DMW and can help forward your complaint. - Is it illegal if the recruiter did not give me a contract?
Yes. Recruiters are required to issue a verified employment contract before deployment. If they failed to give one or changed the terms without your consent, that’s a clear violation. - Can I stay anonymous when I report?
Some agencies, like the DMW and NBI, allow anonymous tips. However, for a formal case to proceed, you may need to identify yourself and provide sworn statements. - How long does it take for a case to be resolved?
It varies. Some cases are resolved in months, while others take longer due to investigations or legal proceedings. It’s important to follow up regularly. - What if I paid through GCash or remittance centers?
That’s still valid evidence. Always keep screenshots, receipts, or transaction references. These can help strengthen your case and prove you were scammed.
Final Thoughts
Many recruiters know how to speak sweet words.
They promise high salaries, fast processing, and even “connections” abroad.
But behind those promises can be years of debt, suffering, or worse—no job at all.
Ask yourself:
- Did I check the recruiter’s name with DMW?
- Do I have a contract?
- Was I asked to pay before signing anything?
- Is the process clear and legal?
If the answer is NO to any of these, stop and report.