Criminal gangs exploit fake job offers to trap victims in online scams – IOM

Stanley Ihedigbo

International Organization for Migration (IOM) has raised fresh concerns over the growing use of fake job offers and digital recruitment by criminal gangs to lure unsuspecting people into online scam operations, warning that human trafficking is rapidly evolving across West and Central Africa.

The organisation made the disclosure in a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed under the global theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam.”

According to IOM, trafficking in persons in the region is no longer limited to traditional forms of exploitation but now increasingly involves deceptive online recruitment, forced criminality, labour exploitation and cross-border trafficking, with vulnerable migrants being targeted through social media and fraudulent employment opportunities.

The agency explained that while online scam-centre trafficking has received widespread attention in Asia, similar patterns are emerging across West and Central Africa, where traffickers entice victims with attractive overseas jobs before trapping them in exploitative conditions.

Victims, it said, are often issued tourist visas instead of work permits, have their travel documents confiscated, are subjected to debt bondage and coercion,
and are forced to participate in online scams or other criminal activities under threats, surveillance and violence.

Speaking on the growing threat, IOM Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Sylvia Ekra, stressed the need for governments and stakeholders to adapt to the changing tactics employed by traffickers.

“Trafficking in persons is evolving in West and Central Africa, and our collective response must evolve with it,” Ekra said.
She noted that victims exploited in homes, farms, mines, on the streets or behind computer screens remain victims of trafficking whenever coercion, deception or abuse is involved.

“People forced into scams or other criminal activity need protection, dignity and support, not stigma or punishment,” she added.

The organisation disclosed that as of July 16, 2026, it had assisted 1,513 victims of trafficking across West and Central Africa, comprising 491 men and 1,022 women.

According to the data, women account for more than two-thirds of those assisted this year, reflecting persistent patterns of sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced marriage and labour exploitation. Men and boys, however, continue to face exploitation through forced labour, forced begging, mining, agriculture, recruitment scams and forced criminal activities.

Between 2017 and 2026, IOM revealed that it had assisted 12,308 trafficking victims across the region, including 3,185 men.

The agency also highlighted that trafficking involving West and Central African nationals is not solely linked to migration outside the continent.

Its records indicate that four of the top ten destination countries for trafficking victims assisted during the period are located within West and Central Africa, underscoring the growing challenge of intra-African trafficking.

Ekra emphasised that trafficking networks operate across national borders, migration corridors, communities, labour markets and online platforms, making regional cooperation essential.

She advocated a route-based approach that would ensure vulnerable persons are identified and supported throughout their migration journey through referral systems, legal assistance, safe shelters, psychosocial care, voluntary return programmes and reintegration support.

To combat the menace, IOM said it is working with governments, civil society organisations and local communities to strengthen victim protection through transit centres, migrant resource facilities and response mechanisms that provide counselling, documentation support, health services, legal aid and psychosocial assistance.

Beyond immediate humanitarian support, the agency said it is addressing the root causes that traffickers exploit by promoting youth employment, vocational training, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

It also continues to partner with schools, local authorities, the media, community leaders and migrant networks to educate the public on trafficking risks, deceptive recruitment, online scams and the dangers of irregular migration.

According to IOM, strengthening migration governance remains critical in West and Central Africa, where mobility plays a vital role in livelihoods, regional integration and economic opportunities.

The organisation called on governments, development partners and communities to intensify coordinated, victim-centred efforts to combat trafficking and ensure that victims receive protection, justice and opportunities to rebuild their lives.