KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security today reminded the public that selection in the Overseas Employment (Farm Work) Programme to United States and Canada is free.

People seeking to access the Farm Work Programme are being advised that they should not pay money to anyone for selection or placement.

According to a release from the ministry, the only fees payable are for US visas or Canadian Work Permits, biometric and medical processing, and these fees are paid only on advice from the ministry after the selection process is completed.

The ministry’s warning comes against reports of unscrupulous people — purporting to be agents of the ministry — collecting money from members of the public for selection or placement.

The ministry said it is aware that devious people are preying on unsuspecting individuals, and is warning the public to verify the authenticity or legitimacy of all employment offers.

People who have been approached and offered placement in the ministry’s Overseas Employment Programme in exchange for a fee are being urged to report the matter immediately to the nearest police station or to the ministry at 922-4374 or 948-4229 or 967-1753.

The ministry is warning that persons engaged in any illegal activity regarding access to the Overseas Employment (Farm Work) Programme will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is also urging persons to exercise caution with job offers through the Internet or on Social Media to avoid becoming victims of scamming, human trafficking or identity theft.