Internet fraud is becoming increasingly widespread in Tajikistan, and more and more people, particularly labor migrants, are falling victim to it. Scammers use fake job ads and make false promises to deceive and steal from people.
In 2024, 208 Tajik migrants who had fallen victim to online fraudsters sought help from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) office in Tajikistan. The damage caused ranged from 150 to 4000 US dollars. However, “this number does not reflect the real situation, as many migrants do not know where to seek help or do not reach out at all, knowing that such crimes often go unsolved. Moreover, the victims are not always able to document the fraud, let alone recover their money,” Saidmuhammad Davlatov, a migration expert in Europe, told Asia-Plus in an interview.
According to the IOM representative, victims often remain without assistance, not knowing how to document the fraud and recover their money. In his opinion, the primary task of all competent structures, both international and governmental, as well as journalists, is to foster critical thinking among citizens. People should learn not to trust everything they see online and check information from multiple sources before believing it.
Where do the scammers operate?
The IOM expert states that all job advertisements offering work in the UK or other European countries, such as “work in England” or “work in the UK,” are fraudulent.
Typically, scammers post fake ads on popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They often provide links to their Telegram channels or WhatsApp where they continue to communicate with potential victims.
To convince a potential victim, scammers offer attractive jobs, high salaries, promise easy visa processing, or assist with all necessary documentation. They often emphasize that there are few spots available and urge the person to act quickly, not allowing time for careful consideration.
Determining the geographical location of the scammers is difficult, but since many migrants send money to bank accounts in Russia, it can be assumed that many scammers are located there.
Red flags to spot scammers
Almost all job ads in the UK through Instagram and Facebook are fraudulent.
Official recruiters do not communicate with migrants via WhatsApp or Telegram. If you receive documents through these messengers, it's likely a scam.
Participation in any program should always be free. No one can demand that you send money or pay for participation.
Operators cannot submit biometric data for you; they can only help fill out the visa application and pay the visa fee. These are free services.
If the ad mentions the UK as the country of employment, be cautious, as there is no work in the UK except for seasonal agricultural jobs. If they offer other kinds of work, this should raise suspicion.
If the ad promises a wage higher than 12.21 pounds per hour (US$14), free accommodation, or paid airfare, and the job is not in agriculture, this could be a sign of fraud.
Scammers typically ask to transfer money to bank accounts, especially in CIS countries like Russia.
Precautionary measures to take
If you have doubts about any job post online, experts recommend calling the hotline at 900 800 800 or consulting the migration service at the address: 121 Ayni, Dushanbe. They will help you assess the offers and avoid fraud.
What should those interested in working in the UK know?
According to Saidmuhammad Davlatov, the average wage for seasonal agricultural work in the UK is 11.44 pounds per hour, which will increase to 12.21 pounds per hour starting April 1, 2025. Migrants can expect a minimum workweek of 32 to 39 hours, but there is also the possibility to work up to 60 hours per week.
However, besides the wages, migrants should consider additional costs:
- Taxes – 20% of salary if it exceeds 242 pounds per week.
- National insurance – 8% of salary if it exceeds 242 pounds.
- Accommodation – about 69.93 pounds per person per week.
- Pension fund – 5% of the total salary, with the option to opt out, as most of our migrants are employed temporarily.
As the expert notes, labor migration to the UK offers many opportunities, but it’s important to be well-prepared in advance. It’s crucial to study the legislation, understand your rights and obligations, and know where to turn for help in case of issues. Organizations like the IOM can assist with safe migration and provide necessary consultations.
