PROJECT: IMPORTANT SAFETY MEASURES BEFORE YOU ACCEPT A JOB ABROAD

Isabel Spies
Nov 4
6 min read

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Specialised Security Services has highlighted the horrendous circumstances of South Africans working abroad

in previous projects, individuals deceived by false recruitment adverts, stripped of their passports,

and trapped in conditions amounting to modern-day slavery.

These cases, particularly those involving human trafficking and forced labour in so-called “work scam compounds”

in Southeast Asia, serve as a powerful warning of how easily an opportunity can turn into exploitation.

Before accepting any overseas job offer, South Africans must take deliberate and informed precautions.

The following important safety measures outline practical steps every job seeker should follow to verify legitimacy,

prevent deception, and ensure their personal safety abroad.

PATTERNS, MECHANISMS AND WARNING SIGNS:

RECRUITMENT AND DECEPTION:

Job adverts via social media (Facebook, Instagram, Telegram) offering “customer service in Thailand”, “IT/crypto job abroad” with very high salaries.
Agents ask for “placement fees”, travel & visa costs, and equipment costs.
On arrival, the location or employer changes; the visa is a tourist visa, but the worker is expected to work full-time.
The worker is moved to Myanmar or border zones, often without full disclosure of the destination.

TRANSPORT, CONTROL AND EXPLOITATION:

Victims often have their passports and identification documents confiscated upon arrival, effectively preventing them from leaving or seeking help.
Many victims are held in compounds that are high‑walled, closely monitored, and allow only limited exit.
These compounds typically have CCTV surveillance, guards, and strict restrictions on movement.
Victims are forced to work long hours with minimal rest, often engaging in scam operations such as chat‑scams, romance‑scams, or cryptocurrency investment scams.
Victims are frequently subjected to debt bondage, being told they must “work off” the costs of travel and placement; failure to meet quotas often results in punishment or additional coercion.
In some instances, victims are subjected to physical violence, torture, threats, or sexual assault, further compounding the trauma and restricting their ability to escape.

EXIT BARRIERS:

Because their passport is held, they cannot leave legally.
Because they work in criminal enterprises, they fear arrest or being labelled as criminals.
Because of the remote locations of most of these compounds, the victims have no access to consular or legal advice.
They may be told that if they try to escape, their “debt” will increase, and their family back home may be threatened.

IMPACT ON VICTIMS:

Psychological trauma, physical abuse, forced criminality (victims become complicit in scams).
In some cases, victims may be prosecuted or deported for being in breach of immigration/visa laws or for involvement in scams.
Financial ruin for families back home who may have borrowed money for the job offer.
Deaths have occurred; in some reports, bodies of victims have been found in rivers near the scam centres.

WHY SOUTH AFRICANS ARE AT RISK:

South Africa’s youth unemployment and inequality make overseas job offers more attractive.
Social media recruitment campaigns are global, and South African job‑seekers may not be able to distinguish between legitimate offers and trafficker‑run adverts.
The lack of awareness and training on this specific modality (forced scamming in Myanmar) means more vulnerability.
Many South Africans may lack familiarity with visa/immigration safeguards when going abroad for employment.
Distance and a weak diplomatic presence in Myanmar mean that repatriation or rescue may be harder if things go wrong.

RISKS TO BE AWARE OF:

Being tricked into leaving South Africa under false pretences of employment.
Paying large upfront “fees” for placement or travel.
Changing of job location or employer after arrival (e.g. told you’re going to Thailand, end up in Myanmar).
Working on scams (i.e., being compelled to commit fraudulent activity) – exposure to criminal liability.
Being unable to leave, being held in exploitative conditions.
Family back home may be asked for ransom.

LEGAL AND PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES:

If found participating (even under duress) in online scams, one may face legal action either in Myanmar, Thailand, South Africa or other jurisdictions.
The South African government has obligations to its citizens abroad, but rescue depends on timely alerting, available diplomatic channels, and local cooperation.
Victims may be reluctant to report due to shame, fear of deportation or prosecution, or unawareness of rights.

IMPORTANT:

BEFORE TRAVELLING/ACCEPTING JOB OFFERS ABROAD:

RESEARCH THE EMPLOYER AND THE JOB OFFER:
- Check whether the company is registered in the country, has a physical address, and speak with current employees if possible.
- Be extremely wary of jobs that promise very high pay for relatively low‑skill work abroad, particularly in areas known for trafficking.
- If the job involves relocating to Myanmar or border areas with weak governance, treat that as high‑risk.
AVOID UPFRONT LARGE PAYMENTS TO RECRUITERS:
- Legitimate employment abroad may have costs (e.g., visa, travel), but if you are asked to pay thousands of rands upfront for “placement,” “training”, “equipment”, it is a red flag.
VERIFY VISA/IMMIGRATION STATUS:
- Ensure you are travelling on the correct work visa, and that the employer has legal permission to employ you.
- A tourist or business visa should not be used for employment.
STAY IN TOUCH WITH SOMEONE TRUSTWORTHY:
- Before travelling, advise someone at home of your plans (employer details, location, expected travel).
- Keep checking in regularly; ensure someone knows your travel schedule and location.
BE ALERT TO CHANGING TERMS ON ARRIVAL:
- If you arrive and your job, location or conditions change drastically, this may indicate a scam/trafficking situation.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS:
- Passports and other personal documentation are confiscated.
- You are not allowed to leave your accommodation or workplace.
- You are asked to work long hours on remote computers, making anonymous calls/chatting with potential "clients" of a scam.
- Quotas of fraud are demanded.
- Your movement is monitored, and contacts are cut off.
- You are forced to recruit others.

Should you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a job offer, the employer, or the working environment,

contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis to obtain expert analysis and a comprehensive investigation

from his Cybercrime Investigation Unit.

MORE RELEVANT PROJECTS:

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This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

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2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

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Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

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