Here’s what it means and what to do if you get stuck in it

With increasing digitalization in the country, the forms of cyber attacks, scams and scams have also increased. One such form of online fraud is cyber slavery. Cyber ​​slavery is a disturbing and increasing form of modern human trafficking in which individuals are forced or trafficked to carry out online scams for organized crime groups. This evolving cybercrime targets vulnerable people and implicates them in illegal operations and online fraud schemes.

Let’s delve deep into the topic to understand it better.

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What does it mean?

In simple terms, cyber slavery is the coercion or trafficking of individuals to carry out online scams for organized crime networks. Victims are forced to engage in illegal cyber activities such as online fraud, identity theft or phishing, often under threat of violence or death. Criminals lure victims with fake job offers and smuggle them across borders abroad. Many fall into this trap due to financial difficulties or unemployment, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Victims are usually unaware of the illegal nature of the work in the early stages and realize it too late as they are already in the middle of it at that point. These things mostly happen behind closed doors or abroad, making rescuing victims a difficult task. Southeast Asia in particular is becoming a hotspot for cyber slavery.

How does cyber slavery work?

Cyber ​​slavery is primarily carried out using fake job advertisements, and these are usually for foreign locations, which would attract victims looking for high-paying jobs. To gain victims’ trust, cybercriminals would conduct fake interviews, enter into false contracts and issue fake travel documents. Criminals would operate both online and offline to increase victims’ trust in the entire process and make it appear even more authentic.

Authorities are aware of the modus operandi, which is why criminals often travel to avoid detection. They frequently change their identity and location. They step up their game by creating shell companies that create the appearance of legitimacy, making it harder for law enforcement to trace their real activities. Additionally, 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 falling into cyber slavery?

The first and most important advice is to always view something with suspicion if it seems too good to be true. The offers that promise very good pay for minimum qualifications may not be that serious. Also, most companies in the world never ask for money in return for employment. So if you are asked to pay a “service fee” or a “recruitment fee,” it might be a good idea to analyze the offer and the company in detail.

One of the pro tips you should know is to look for inconsistencies, i.e. pay attention to the email addresses you receive emails from. Check whether they come from official email addresses or not, check whether professional communication is made or any kind of interaction is avoided. Additionally, it may be useful to use official government websites, embassies or official organizations to check job offers abroad.

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

The first step you should take is to contact local law enforcement and then contact your country’s embassy for immediate assistance. If you think your calls are being listened to, it may be a good idea to seek help from trusted people in reporting situations to the authorities. It goes without saying that you must not engage in illegal activities at any cost. Delay compliance or resist as much as possible.

As much as possible, document information about your captors, their whereabouts, and the operations you are forced to assist with. Contact NGOs or Interpol or authorities working to combat human trafficking.