From Facebook to Telegram: How an online scam network tried to recruit me

The promised monthly salaries were suspiciously high, ranging from VND15-25 million (US$590-984).

The job descriptions were vague, deliberately so. Each Facebook post only listed a Telegram username, requiring applicants to message them directly.

At this point, I was certain these job postings were either scams or outright crimes. But curiosity got the best of me—I wanted to see how they attempted to scam people, so I played along.

A person is making a call on their phone. Illustration photo by Pexels

I contacted the recruiter, and they replied instantly, asking for my Zalo username to continue the conversation there. I agreed.

I told them I was a 26-year-old unemployed man with a wife who had just given birth. We had only VND5 million left and were VND30 million in debt.

The recruiter acted sympathetic. "Hard labor will never get you anywhere," they said, before asking if I had a passport. If not, I needed to get one quickly because the job was overseas.

I asked what the job was about. Their response remained vague: "Making orders."

I pressed further, feigning hesitation. "I'm afraid of going abroad. And what exactly does 'making orders' mean?"

That was when the recruiter dropped the act. "It's a scam. We impersonate e-commerce platforms and call people to deceive them."

I pointed out that this was illegal. Unfazed, the recruiter reassured me, claiming no one would ever find out.

To sweeten the deal, they sent photos of stacks of cash. "If you work hard, you can make VND25 million per month to pay off your debt."

They also sent multiple pictures of people at the airport, supposedly about to leave for their new jobs.

Then, they pushed harder. "Send me your passport photo. If you don't have one, get one immediately. No money for a plane ticket? Just borrow. Once you arrive, we'll repay you."

It was clear these recruiters knew exactly how to manipulate desperate people. Anyone in need of money might have taken the risk and fallen straight into their trap.

A few days later, I checked the recruiter's account on Zalo and Telegram. It had been deleted.

Lately, these scammers have not even bothered to hide their intentions. They're getting bolder, more upfront, and they know exactly how to lure people in. Stay sharp and don't trust scammers like them.