The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) have warned citizens against fake overseas job advertisements, fraudulent employment offers and bogus recruitment websites, urging job seekers to verify all vacancies through official channels before applying for jobs abroad.
An official told APP on Sunday that with the increasing use of online platforms for overseas employment, fraudsters were also adopting more sophisticated methods to deceive people through fake recruitment campaigns and counterfeit websites.
He said many fraudulent websites were designed to resemble authentic organizations by copying official logos, layouts and designs, while making only minor changes in the web address (URL) that were difficult to detect at first glance.
The official advised citizens to carefully verify website addresses before submitting job applications, passport details, CNIC copies or other sensitive personal information online.
He warned that cyber fraudsters were not only involved in financial scams but were also attempting to steal personal data and identity documents that could later be misused in illegal activities, including identity theft and fake travel processing.
The official said fake job advertisements often lured people through unrealistically high salaries, extraordinary benefits and promises of quick overseas placements without proper qualifications, experience or interviews.
He added that legitimate overseas recruitment always followed a transparent process, including interviews, background verification and document authentication before issuance of any offer letter.
According to the official, any job offer demanding advance payment, urgent money transfer or immediate acceptance without proper recruitment procedures should immediately be treated as suspicious.
He advised citizens to verify overseas employment opportunities only through licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs), official government platforms and authentic company channels before making any financial commitment.
The official further urged the public to report fake agents, suspicious websites and fraudulent advertisements through FIA helpline 1991 and BEOE complaint mechanisms to help curb overseas employment fraud and protect job seekers from exploitation.