TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) on Monday (Sept. 23) reported a surge in overseas job scams, urging the public to remain vigilant.
Officials noted that since Thailand implemented visa-free entry, cases of citizens traveling to Thailand and then to Myanmar or Laos for illegal telecom fraud jobs have increased, leading to detentions by local police.
The ministry revealed they receive reports of 5 to 10 such cases monthly. They have asked relevant embassies and consulates to monitor the situation closely and assist victims in returning home through local government channels. They have also informed domestic law enforcement agencies for further assistance.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (駐泰國代表處) reported an upward trend in scam cases involving Taiwanese nationals seeking help abroad. In May, they documented nine cases, six in June, nine in July, and twelve in August.
Similarly, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam (駐越南代表處) handled cases of citizens trapped in Laos. They recorded five cases in May, six in June, eight in July, and three in August.
MOFA reiterated its warning to the public, advising against trusting advertisements promising high-paying jobs in Southeast Asia. They emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of such offers, as it costs if an individual is against the local law or stuck overseas.