Members of the public continue to fall for seasonal work scams despite warnings from the government about refraining from getting involved in the dodgy deals. 

In light of recent reports of individuals promised work abroad in exchange for several payments to join the scheme, the Minister of Finance urged people to stop being involved in the practice. 

Vulnerable workers desperate to find work overseas were reportedly conned by individuals pretending to be working for agents and government officials. 

Meetings between locals and con artists have taken place in odd spots like the markets or behind public toilets. 

Despite the many red flags people continue to fall for the illegal practice and the Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai said the public was warned multiple times about the issue. 

“There is only one government office that deals with this and where people should go to ask questions and get answers and it is located at the SNPF building,” said the Minister. 

“Please stop doing that. The only place you register is the district council office and if you have questions you can go to the LEEP office at SNPF.”

Lautimuia added that although people have been warned many times about the scams they continue to get involved in and when things don’t go as planned they turn to the government. 

Last month more than 100 people headed to the Faleolo Airport all packed and ready to leave for seasonal work only to be told their flight was cancelled. 

One of the individuals who was supposed to be on that flight told the Samoa Observer they were told by an agent that organised their trip told them their flight was cancelled four times. 

The group had collectively paid over ST$400 for visa fees each, splitting the costs between themselves and the so-called agent. 

They were assured that everything was ready for their flight in October but things didn’t go as planned. 

Upon further queries with the Labour Employment Export Program (LEEP) office, the group were told the person who collected their money did not work for the government.