According to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), victims who responded to social media advertisements were asked to pay fees in advance, only to later discover the opportunities were fake. The Bureau said multiple complaints have already been lodged and investigations are ongoing.
Officials cautioned that such scams carry serious risks beyond financial loss. “These fraudulent schemes can expose job seekers to human trafficking and other forms of exploitation,” the SLBFE warned, urging anyone approached by such operators to report immediately.
Under the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act No. 21 of 1985, only licensed agencies are legally permitted to recruit workers for overseas employment. Advertising jobs, collecting fees, or recruiting without a licence is a punishable offence.
The SLBFE advised the public to verify all foreign employment opportunities through approved channels and to never hand over money or personal documents to individuals promoting jobs via social media. Authorities also urged family members to guide young job seekers to follow official recruitment procedures and remain vigilant against online fraud.
Experts say scams like this are on the rise as social media provides easy access to potential victims, highlighting the need for stronger public awareness campaigns on safe overseas employment practices.
