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Scam alerts

These are the sentences we hear most from people who lost money. If you hear one, stop and check the license first.

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  1. Red flag 1

    "We don't need a DMW license, we have a direct contact in Japan."

    "Hindi na kailangan ng DMW license, may direct contact kami sa Japan."

    Why it is a lie: For SSW and TITP, Filipinos must go through a DMW-licensed agency. There is no direct-hire path from the Philippines for these visas.

  2. Red flag 2

    "Pay the placement fee now to reserve your slot."

    "Magbayad ka na ng placement fee para ma-reserve ang slot mo."

    Why it is a lie: Japan-bound workers are not charged a placement fee. An agency asking for one is violating DMW rules, and a non-agency asking for one is committing illegal recruitment.

  3. Red flag 3

    "Go on a tourist visa first, we'll convert it to a work visa in Japan."

    "Tourist visa muna, papalitan na lang natin ng work visa pagdating sa Japan."

    Why it is a lie: A tourist visa cannot be converted into SSW from inside Japan for someone who arrived as a tourist for that purpose. You will overstay or be deported, and you will have paid for nothing.

  4. Red flag 4

    "You don't need an OEC, we have someone at the airport."

    "Hindi mo na kailangan ng OEC, may kakilala kami sa airport."

    Why it is a lie: Without an Overseas Employment Certificate, immigration will offload you. There is no legal way around it.

  5. Red flag 5

    "Pass the test and the visa is guaranteed."

    "Pumasa ka lang sa test, sigurado na ang visa."

    Why it is a lie: Japan's official test policy requires organizers to state that passing never guarantees a visa. The employer, Immigration, and the Embassy each decide separately.

  6. Red flag 6

    "We will apply for the JFT test for you. Just pay us."

    "Kami na ang mag-a-apply ng JFT para sa 'yo. Bayaran mo lang kami."

    Why it is a lie: Applications must come directly from you to the test organizer. Paying a middleman for a test slot is exactly what the policy was written to stop.

  7. Red flag 7

    "Sign this blank contract, we'll fill in the details later."

    "Pirmahan mo muna 'tong blangkong kontrata, kami na ang magpupuno."

    Why it is a lie: Your contract must match the template registered with the DMW and MWO. A blank or different contract is how salary deductions and debts get added later.

  8. Red flag 8

    "Deposit to this GCash / personal bank account."

    "I-deposit mo sa GCash / personal na bank account na 'to."

    Why it is a lie: Legitimate fees (tests, medical, passport) are paid to the organization that provides the service, with an official receipt. Money to a personal account is a warning sign.

If you already paid

  1. Stop paying. Do not send the "last" amount they ask for.
  2. Save everything: chats, receipts, screenshots, the name and photo of the person, the account you paid to.
  3. Search the agency on this site and on the DMW website. If it is not licensed, or the license is suspended, it is illegal recruitment.
  4. Report to the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch or the nearest DMW regional office. You can also report to the NBI or PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group if it happened online.
  5. You are the victim, not the criminal. Reporting does not hurt your chances of going to Japan later through a licensed agency.

DMW hotline and regional offices: dmw.gov.ph. Hanapon cannot recover money for you, but we can point you to the right office.

Check an agency

Search the DMW license list before you pay.

The legal steps

What the real process looks like, from test to airport.

Legal basis: Philippine Labor Code Art. 13(b) and 38; Republic Acts 8042 and 10022 (Migrant Workers Act); DMW rules for Japan-bound workers; Japan's SSW test policy (March 2025).