KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have issued an urgent public alert regarding a sophisticated employment scam operation proliferating on social media platform TikTok. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has identified fraudulent activities originating from the account @mr.agent.clarke, which has been illegally utilizing official videos featuring Minister Pearnel Charles Jr.
The deceptive scheme involves the repurposing of authentic ministerial and ministry footage to create false advertisements promoting overseas employment opportunities. These fabricated posts falsely claim authorization to recruit Jamaican workers for international positions, specifically targeting citizens seeking legitimate foreign employment through government-sanctioned programs.
According to official statements, the ministry has received multiple reports confirming the fraudulent entity’s activities, which authorities have condemned as both ethically reprehensible and legally prohibited. The operation particularly preys on vulnerable job seekers aspiring to participate in Canada’s Overseas Farm Worker Programmes, which fall exclusively under the MLSS’s jurisdiction.
The ministry emphasized that the implicated TikTok account does not appear on its monthly updated register of licensed overseas employment agencies. Officials have reiterated that the MLSS maintains sole responsibility for administering all foreign farm worker recruitment initiatives between Jamaica and Canada.
As protective measures, the ministry has directed citizens to consult its official website and verified social media channels for current listings of authorized recruitment agencies. The public advisory strongly recommends direct verification with ministry officials before engaging with any entity claiming to offer overseas employment services.