KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is alerting the public to the unauthorised and fraudulent use of video images of Minister Pearnel Charles Jr by the TikTok account using the handle @ramondlewis0.

According to the ministry, the TikTok page falsely claims to provide overseas employment opportunities by using repurposed images of the minister to deceive and mislead the public.

“The ministry has received reports that this fraudulent actor is circulating deceptive advertisements preying on Jamaicans who are seeking employment opportunities abroad. This action is not only unethical but illegal,” the ministry said.

The ministry sought to remind members of the public that the entity is not listed among the ministry’s licensed overseas employment agencies. It said the sole authority responsible for recruiting farm workers under the overseas farm worker programmes in Canada is the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and that entities licensed to provide overseas employment opportunities are published monthly on the ministry’s official website and social media pages.

Members of the public are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when engaging with this or similar accounts.

“We urge you to always verify the legitimacy of any overseas employment agency by checking the official list of licensed agencies published by the ministry’s website, or contacting the ministry directly for confirmation,” the ministry further advised.