Here’s what it means and what to do if you’re stuck in one of them

With the rise of digitalization in the country, forms of cyberattacks, scams and frauds have also increased. One such form of online scam is cyber slavery. Cyber ​​slavery is a worrying and growing form of modern trafficking in which individuals are forced or tricked into committing online scams on behalf of organized crime groups. This evolving cybercrime preys on vulnerable individuals, trapping them in illegal operations and fraudulent online schemes.

Let’s delve deeper into the subject to understand it better.

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What does that mean?

In simpler terms, cyber slavery means coercing or trafficking individuals to engage in online scams on behalf of organized crime networks. Victims are coerced into participating in illegal cyber activities such as online fraud, identity theft or phishing, often under threat of violence or death. Criminals lure their victims with fake job opportunities and traffic them across borders to foreign countries. Many fall into this trap due to financial difficulties or unemployment, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

Victims are usually unaware of the illegal nature of the work at first and they realize it too late, by which time they are already stuck in this story. These things usually happen behind closed doors or in foreign countries, making rescuing victims a difficult task. Southeast Asia, in particular, is becoming a hotspot for cyber slavery.

How does cyberslavery work?

Mainly, cyber slavery is carried out using fake job offers and they are usually aimed at foreign countries, which would attract victims looking for high-paying opportunities. Cybercriminals would conduct fake interviews, provide fake contracts and issue fake travel documents to gain victims’ trust. Criminals would act both online and offline to make victims trust the whole process more and make it seem even more authentic.

Authorities are aware of the modus operandi, which is why criminals often move to avoid detection. They change their identity and location quite frequently. They deepen their game by creating fake companies that create an impression of legitimacy, making it more difficult for law enforcement to trace their actual operations. On top of all this, criminals use encrypted forms of communication, anonymous online transactions and fake social media profiles to cover their tracks and avoid detection.

How do you know if you are trapped in cyberslavery?

The first tip is to always look at something with suspicion if it seems too good to be true. Offers that promise to pay very well for minimum qualifications may not be so genuine. Additionally, the majority of companies around the world never ask for money in exchange for employment. Therefore, if you are asked to pay a “service fee” or “recruitment fee”, it may be wise to analyze the offer and the company accordingly. detail.

One of the pro tips you need to know is to look for inconsistencies, that is, pay attention to the email addresses you are receiving emails from. Check if they come from official email addresses or not, check if they carry professional communication or it avoids any kind of interactions. Additionally, it may be a good idea to use official websites of government, embassies or official organizations to check for job openings abroad.

Here’s what you can do if you’re already stuck

The first step to take is to contact local law enforcement, then contact your country’s embassy for immediate assistance. If you think your calls are being tapped, it might be a good idea to seek help from people you trust to report the situation to authorities. It goes without saying, do not participate in illegal activities at any cost. Delay or resist complying whenever possible.

Where possible, document information about your captors, their location, and the operations in which you are required to participate. Connect with NGOs, Interpol or authorities fighting against human trafficking.