Illegal brokerage scams targeting seasonal workers in South Korea are spreading in Vietnam. Scammers are luring workers seeking high-paying overseas jobs with promises of 'low costs,' 'no foreign language required,' and 'quick departures,' only to abscond with deposits and document fees. Authorities have warned that online advertisements and fake documents are being used, urging caution against recruitment offers that do not follow official channels.
Recently, the police in Can Tho City have alerted citizens to the complex scams disguised as South Korea's seasonal worker program. These scammers have been promoting job opportunities on social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok, promising monthly earnings of 40 million to 60 million VND (approximately $1,700 to $2,600).
The scam organizations prey on the anxieties and hopes of job seekers. They attract workers with claims of low costs, simple procedures, no foreign language skills required, nearly 100% acceptance rates, and rapid departures. Can Tho police explained that such tactics not only lead to financial losses but also undermine the trust of Vietnamese workers in South Korea.
Several actual cases of victims have been reported in the Can Tho area. According to police, some residents paid deposits, document submission fees, and so-called 'seat reservation fees' after receiving misleading consultations, only to find that the processes were delayed or promises unfulfilled. Some brokers reportedly disappeared after receiving payments.
Scammers have also employed tactics to build trust online. They posted photos and videos depicting life and work in South Korea and created separate chat groups to make their operations appear legitimate. Additionally, they impersonated authorized companies or used the names of reputable overseas employment service providers to deceive job seekers.
There have been instances of fake documents being used. Some organizations forged contracts, invitation letters, and worker registration confirmations to compel job seekers to pay. Police stated that such documents were used to lower victims' suspicions before robbing them of their money.
The E-8 visa, introduced by South Korea to address labor shortages in agriculture and fisheries, allows foreign workers to stay and work in South Korea for 5 to 8 months, making it popular among Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam. However, to obtain an E-8 visa, foreigners must have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between their local government and a Korean local government or be family members of legally residing marriage immigrants in Korea.
Thus, there is a call to guide those wishing to work seasonally in South Korea through these official procedures. Bui Duc Hung, CEO of HT Daizhuang Education and Settlement Consulting Company, explained, "The E-8 visa is a short-term seasonal work visa that allows foreign workers to work for 5 to 8 months based on seasonal demand in agriculture." HT Daizhuang has been designated by the South Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City as an agency for visa application document submission.
Hung noted that the E-8 program operates through direct cooperation between local governments in Vietnam and South Korea. He emphasized that it does not go through private brokerage companies, individual brokers, or online chat groups. He added that demands for 'guaranteed acceptance,' 'quick departures,' or deposits or 'seat reservation fees' should raise suspicions of potential scams.
In this regard, Can Tho police have provided specific guidance on overseas employment application channels. Residents should register for overseas employment programs only through the Can Tho Employment Service Center, cultural and social departments under local people's committees, or authorized companies listed on the electronic information network of the Ministry of Public Security's Overseas Labor Management Bureau.
Furthermore, police urged individuals not to send deposits or service fees to organizations or individuals with unclear legal status or provide personal documents. They emphasized the importance of verifying information through relevant authorities rather than believing repetitive online advertisements promising 'easy jobs with high wages,' 'guaranteed acceptance,' or 'quick departures.'
If suspicious circumstances are detected, it is crucial to report them immediately to the nearest police agency. Can Tho police stated that information about illegal overseas employment brokerage organizations or individuals would be processed according to relevant regulations.
Meanwhile, Can Tho police have requested cooperation from various agencies, local governments, media organizations, and citizens in reporting illegal overseas employment brokerage activities. They stated that confirming official procedures with authorized companies is essential to prevent financial losses and maintain the trust of Vietnamese workers in the overseas labor market.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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