Spotlight on human trafficking and online scammers
Human trafficking and online scamming can happen to anyone across any sector, with many people across the globe being trafficked for the purpose of continuing to conduct online scams. With so much information sharing online, this can be used as a tool to deceive people into jobs or work with even more severe consequences. Don’t fall prey to a scam and be aware of how to stay safe.
What is human trafficking and online scamming?
Human trafficking could happen to anyone, across any sector. People may be lured by ads promising easy work and extravagant perks to compounds overseas. Once there, they are forced to ‘work’ by scamming others against their will, with threats of violence and abuse if they refuse to comply.
These victims must work to scam others, producing even more victims who have been defrauded through online criminality.
How jobseekers become scammers
People are trafficked to become scammers, lured or tricked to accept a job that can have more severe consequences. Scammers who have already been coaxed into the situation, may be forced to lure more victims to join the company, thus the scam continues.
Scammers-to-be are primarily recruited via advertised professional roles through what appear to be legitimate procedures. Others may be recruited through advertisements on social media platforms, through personal networks or endorsements of ‘friends’ already working in the area. Victims are usually offered excessive benefits such as high salary, regular bonuses, free accommodation and food, often with assurances of a work visa.
In some extreme cases, this could be a case of kidnapping while travelling overseas.
How does the Scam work?
Victims are forced to perpetrate online fraud using a range of platforms including fake gambling websites and cryptocurrency investment platforms, as well as romantic and financial scams (so-called “pig-butchering”), where fake romantic relationships or friendships are used to defraud online users of significant amounts of money.
Through these interactions, the traffickers aim to learn more about the target’s financial situation and personal characteristics. This will then influence the way in which the scam proceeds to increase the rate of success.
How can you protect yourself?
Stay in school
Stay where you know it is safe. Should you receive an opportunity to travel abroad for work, consult with the International Office at Griffith University and your course convenors about your intention to leave.
Set strict privacy settings
If your social media accounts are public, then anyone can see your photos, posts, and other information. Traffickers have used this information to reach out to and recruit victims.
Beware of strange friend requests
On social media, only accept friend or follow requests from people you know, even if you have friends in common. Traffickers have reached out to strangers to ‘chat’ via social media.
Don't overshare
Remember that everything you put online is in the public domain and you no longer have control over how it is being seen or shared. Never share personal information, such as your phone number, address, or live location online.
Research the company
Beware of advertisements that seem too good to be true, Traffickers often using catchy language in job advertisements online or being vague about the company’s credentials, details, or your terms of employment.
Flag it, don’t share it!
Don’t hesitate to unfriend, block or report someone who is harassing you or talking to you in a way you don’t like. Take screenshots of the messages or posts – they might be useful later for an investigation or law enforcement.
Where to go for help or to report a situation
If you are concerned about The National Human Trafficking Hotline has a range of options to report information.
You can also contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a tip online
If you have experienced human trafficking, Red Cross can support you and help you recover.
Further information can be found at the Mekong club, From Fake Job Ads to Human Trafficking