Recently, there has been a surge in online employment scams in some countries—particularly in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia—luring job seekers with promises of high income. As a result, there have been numerous reported cases of human trafficking, illegal confinement, and forced labor targeting young people.
To raise awareness and prevent such incidents, we are posting a prevention guide and informational card news.
Students are advised to exercise utmost caution.

You could also become a victim
 Overseas Employment Scams Targeting University Students

Beware of High-Income Overseas Job Offers

• Be suspicious of job postings on social media that promise unusually good conditions (e.g., prepaid airfare, high wages).

• Verify the company’s representative, local office, and job details directly.

• Always obtain an official work visa before departure.
  
  

Check Safety Information Before Traveling Abroad

• Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Safe Travel website or app to check the latest safety information for your destination.

• Follow safety guidelines carefully to avoid accidents.
  
  

Avoid Traveling to Restricted or High-Risk Areas

• Refrain from traveling or volunteering in areas under travel advisories, including Cambodia.

【 Cases of Overseas Employment Scams 】

● Abduction and Torture Caused by Online Job Scam Ads

• Case A (in their 20s): Lured by an online “high-income overseas job” ad, the victim was abducted to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, forced to engage in voice phishing operations, and later transferred to Thailand, where they were confined and tortured.
   (Source: JoongAng Ilbo, Oct. 15, 2025) “A desperate SOS led to rescue… Korean’s resourcefulness in escaping Cambodia.”
  
  

● Abducted After Being Deceived by a Friend’s High-Paying Part-Time Job Offer

• Case B (two people in their 20s): Tricked by an acquaintance’s offer of “earning 10 million KRW a month,” the victims were lured to Cambodia, where they were kidnapped and assaulted by a Chinese criminal organization.
   (Source: Chosun Ilbo, Oct. 13, 2025) “Escaped from a Cambodian crime syndicate, only to be caught again at the airport…”
  
  

● Loan Broker’s Deception Leading to Forced Labor and Confinement in Cambodia

• Case C (two people in their 30s): Trapped by a loan broker’s promise of “1.3 million KRW in exchange for simple bank transfers,” the victims were taken to Cambodia, kidnapped by a criminal group, and forced to commit illegal acts.
   (Source: JTBC, Oct. 15, 2025) “Worked 15 hours a day under brutal conditions in Cambodia—some even trapped as ‘ghost couriers.’”
  
  

● Disappearance During Travel

• Case D (in their 20s): After traveling to Cambodia, the victim sent a message to family saying, “I’m trapped in a building in Cambodia,” and has since gone missing.
   (Source: Hankyoreh, Oct. 15, 2025) “Man in his 20s kidnapped in Cambodia… Police in Yongsan investigating his whereabouts.”

【 Examples of Voice Phishing Job Scam Ads 】

① Ads promising high income in a short period
② Requests from friends or acquaintances asking to “just deliver money”
③ Recruiting young job seekers or international students with promises like “1% commission on remittance”
④ Phrases involving cryptocurrency, proxy purchases, or “3% handling fee payment” used to deceive victims

<Emergency Contact Information>

Consular Call Center (24 hours, year-round)

• Overseas: +82-2-3210-0404

• Domestic: 02-3210-0404
   → Add “MOFA Consular Call Center” on KakaoTalk
  
  

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cambodia

• (Main Line) +855-23-211-900~3

• (Emergency) +855-92-555-235
  
  

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Laos

• (Main Line) +856-21-255-770~1

• (Emergency) +856-20-5550-8814
  
  

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Myanmar

• (Main Line) +95-9-5127-143

• (Emergency) +95-9-4211-58030
  
  

Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand

• (Main Line) +66-2-881-6000

• (Emergency) +66-81-555-235
  
  

<Important Safety Precautions>

① Be cautious of job offers through SNS, Telegram, or KakaoTalk that promise unusually good conditions such as prepaid airfare (to be settled later) or high wages.
② Verify the company representative or local office directly via video call or phone, and clearly confirm details such as job description, work location, and visa type.
③ Put all employment terms in writing and never sign a document without reviewing it thoroughly.
④ If you are offered a job while staying abroad on a tourist or visa-free entry, it is highly likely to be illegal employment—always obtain a proper work visa before departure.
⑤ If you receive a suspicious call or message impersonating the police, prosecutors, or financial institutions, hang up immediately and verify directly using the organization’s official phone number.

High-Paying Overseas Part-Time Jobs?
Campaign to Prevent Illegal and Fraudulent Employment in Southeast Asia
Cambodia
Ministry of Employment and Labor

Fake Ads Promising High Income Without Qualifications
“Earn 5 million KRW a month with no experience required”? Seen posts like this on Telegram?
If you go, you could be detained, have your passport confiscated, or even be threatened.
Those “no qualification, high-income” ads circulating on SNS and Telegram are often linked to illegal investment chatrooms and voice phishing organizations that target Koreans, confine them, and exploit them.

Working on a Tourist Visa Is Illegal
“Don’t worry, you can work on a tourist visa!” — Believed that? You risk becoming an illegal immigrant or getting involved in crime.
Cambodian immigration authorities are actively operating signboards warning against illegal employment.
The Korean Embassy sends out warning messages to travelers entering Cambodia with Korean phone numbers.
Working without a valid visa can even lead to arrest or imprisonment.

Illegal and Fraudulent Employment Checklist
If the job offer includes any of these, it’s a red flag — avoid it immediately!

• Says you don’t need a visa

• Promises to pay millions of KRW a month for “easy work”

• No written contract, only verbal promises

• Communication is only through Telegram or KakaoTalk
  
  

How to Prepare for Safe Overseas Employment
Your safety is more important than high income.
Before accepting any job offer, make sure to:

• Obtain an official work visa

• Be skeptical of overly generous offers

• Confirm the employer’s identity through a video interview

• Always sign a written contract
  
  

Beware of Overseas Job Scams Targeting Young Adults in Their 20s and 30s

• Find jobs through official employment platforms.

• Be suspicious if the offer sounds too good compared to the application process.

• Check the written contract and the company’s registration number.

• Avoid job offers that contact you via SNS or direct messages (DM).

• Inform your family in advance and share your location with them.

• If something feels suspicious, refuse the offer—even if it’s recommended by someone you know.