My friend, a 45-year-old husband and father, saw a job ad in a newspaper. It offered an exciting opportunity to work in a foreign country. The offer sounded almost too good to be true: travel tickets, accommodation, and all the arrangements were covered by the agency.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it was too good to be true
With only his passport in hand, he boarded the flight. When he landed, someone from the agency was waiting for him. But instead of welcoming him to a new job, they took away his passport and phone. He was shoved into a van, taken to a house, and forced into labor. No contracts, no freedom, no contact with his family.
And then came the worst part: the traffickers contacted his family and demanded a ransom for his release. It could be thousand US dollars for the ransom. The worst part of it that the agency will sell you to another agent which can more problematic to you and your family member at home
A Promising Job Offer That Turned Into a Trap
Human trafficking isn’t just about smuggling people across borders. It often involves deception, manipulation, and control. Traffickers lure people with fake promises jobs, money, education then trap them in situations where escape seems impossible.
Common signs of human trafficking include Confiscated identity documents or phones, Victims being isolated or watched constantly, Forced labor or work under threat or violence and No freedom to leave or contact anyone
My friend’s case is just one of many. There are countless others who are suffering silently, trapped in foreign countries or even within their own
Many job scammers are still at large on various social media platforms, including Telegram. I have come across and interacted with several of them, and we must all be aware of their tactics.
Don’t fall into their trap no matter how amazing or attractive the benefits they promise may sound. You don’t have to leave your country just to find a good job. A good quality of life is a dream best achieved with your family, who loves you and is always around to support you
What Next
First, we need to talk about it. Share stories like this to raise awareness.Second, if someone you know is planning to work abroad, help them verify the agency and job offer. Make sure it’s legit, and that all proper documents including work permits are handled legally.
And finally, learn to recognize the warning signs and support organizations fighting human trafficking. You may be the lifeline someone desperately needs.Human trafficking is real. It can start with something as simple as a job ad. My friend’s experience is a powerful reminder that not all that glitters is gold. Let’s stay alert, look out for one another, and use our voices to raise awareness. Together, we can help stop these cruel and inhumane practices one story at a time.
Always verify overseas job offers and report suspicious recruiters.
Let’s protect our community.
Talk to your friends and family about this story.
The more we know, the more lives we can protect from falling into the same trap.
A Message From Asep Haryono
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