MANILA -- Job applicants should be cautious when looking for job openings on social media, the Department of Migrant Workers said on Tuesday.

DMW Client Services Chief Edwin Cristobal warned job applicants of illegal recruiters utilizing social media to offer employment abroad.

"May bagong modus ngayon na nakikita namin, 'yong mga online na. The problem is 'pag online ka nag-apply, 'yong mga sasabihin sayo mag-apply, hindi mo nakikita kung sinong kausap mo," Cristobal said.

The DMW has received reports of illegal recruitment through social media but the recruiter is not in the Philippines.

Cristobal also advised job seekers to think twice before agreeing to pay through online payment channels.

READ: DMW shuts 4 branches of alleged illegal recruitment firm

"Marami silang pangako. Marami silang sinasabing madaling mag-apply pero ang katotohanan, scam. The moment na magdemand na po ng money, doon na tayo mag-isip," Cristobal said. 

The department reminded job seekers to refer to their official website for the list of accredited recruitment agencies. 

Job fairs are also opportunities to look for employment through the proper recruitment process.

In a job fair held in Pasay City, 11,000 job vacancies were up for grabs in countries including Canada, the United States, Australia and the Middle East. 

Most job openings include positions for skilled workers in manufacturing and construction, nurses, caregiving, and housekeeping.  

Participating agencies waived placement fees for the job fair.

For the Public Employment Service Office of Pasay City, the initiative aims to remove placement fees in the financial burdens of applicants in job seeking.