Could 'Job Abroad' Offers Lead to Cyber Slavery?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true.
- Always verify recruitment agents' credentials.
- Report suspicious activities to the authorities.
- Keep your personal information secure.
- Stay informed about prevalent cybercrime tactics.
Jaipur, July 31 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Police issued a grave warning on Thursday regarding the escalating risk of cyber slavery — a perilous form of cybercrime that specifically targets educated and tech-savvy individuals. Victims are enticed with attractive job offers abroad, only to find themselves coerced into participating in cyber fraud schemes.
Cyber slavery, often referred to as digital slavery, is a form of organized crime where individuals are exploited via digital platforms for labor or other purposes, often under threatening or misleading circumstances.
While traditional slavery involves physical confinement, cyber slavery exists in the digital space, manipulating, controlling, and exploiting individuals through various online avenues.
In their alert, Rajasthan Police noted that criminal organizations have been seizing passports, compelling Indians to engage in cyber fraud in countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The DGP has recommended that individuals verify job offers through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) website.
SP Cyber Crime, Shantanu Kumar Singh, disclosed that cybercriminals are preying on young professionals with fraudulent IT job vacancies in South-East Asian nations.
Upon arrival, victims have their passports and identification documents taken from them, effectively rendering them hostages. They are then forced to execute cyber fraud schemes, primarily targeting Indian citizens.
The MEA, alongside various law enforcement bodies, is actively striving to dismantle these transnational criminal networks.
The Rajasthan Police has issued several precautionary measures for the public to follow to avoid falling victim to such overseas traps.
The advisory emphasizes that individuals should only apply for jobs in foreign countries through recruitment agents registered with the MEA.
Additionally, if any dubious job advertisements, messages, or unusual activities are encountered on platforms such as email, WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, or Facebook, these should be reported to authorities immediately via the cyber helpline numbers: 1930, 9256001930, 9257510100 and through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in
In its advisory, the Rajasthan Police has urged citizens to remain vigilant and informed, helping to safeguard themselves and others from this increasing international cybercrime threat.