Immigration Bureau "on-site" intercepts tourists heading to overseas scam centers.

Philippines Pasay - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) intercepted a 35-year-old Filipino male who was allegedly deceived into working for a scam center in Cambodia.

Mary Jane Hizon, head of the Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES), reported that the man initially claimed to be a tourist heading to Hanoi, Vietnam, boarding a Cebu Pacific flight at Manila International Airport Terminal 3.

"The traveler claimed his trip was 'on the spot' or spontaneous. However, his inconsistent responses during the preliminary inquiry raised suspicions, prompting a referral for a secondary inspection," said Hizon.

In the secondary interview, the passenger admitted that his real destination was Cambodia. He revealed that he was recruited through Facebook and was attracted by an employment promise from a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company.

It was reported that the recruiter sent all travel documents via the Telegram app and instructed him to travel through Vietnam before heading to Cambodia.

Hizon further noted that this is a typical modus operandi of illegal groups.

"These so-called BPOs are often fronts for scam centers engaged in illegal activities such as phishing, where individuals are forced to deceive victims online for financial gain," Hizon stated.

Joel Anthony Viado, the Commissioner of Immigration, warned the public to be vigilant against illegal recruiters and cyber groups. Scam groups have been deceiving unsuspecting Filipinos with lucrative overseas offers. "We urge everyone to verify the legitimacy of recruiters and job opportunities through the Department of Migrant Workers," he advised.