Around 70 Filipino Workers in Dubai Seek Justice After Alleged Airline Ticket Scam

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Approximately 70 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Dubai have united to pursue legal action against a fellow Filipino who allegedly defrauded them through a scheme involving the sale of airline tickets. The suspect, identified as Joash Meil Calderon and known to the victims as PJ, reportedly posed as an airline employee and gained their trust by selling legitimate tickets at discounted prices.

Victims said Calderon initially sold genuine airline tickets at cheaper rates, sometimes offering additional incentives such as visas and hotel accommodations abroad. To further build confidence, he reportedly issued blank bank checks. Calderon also expanded his reach by introducing himself to acquaintances of his initial victims, avoiding taking selfies to maintain a low profile.

Once trust was established, Calderon allegedly proposed that the victims provide funds to purchase airline tickets for nonexistent passengers supposedly flying to Dubai. He claimed to be arranging these flights through a tour company he operated. The victims transferred amounts ranging from AED25,000 to AED160,000 (approximately PHP417,000 to PHP2.67 million) via bank accounts, expecting to receive higher returns. However, Calderon disappeared after receiving the money.

The scam reportedly took place over four months starting in March 2026. Victims reported that Calderon and an accomplice left Dubai for Manila on July 11. Maria Serna, 47, one of the victims, said she lost AED160,000 after meeting Calderon through a friend who had previously purchased tickets from him. Calderon had told her that groups of passengers were scheduled to arrive in Dubai from the Philippines in June and December, but these passengers never existed.

Serna expressed frustration over losing her hard-earned money while working far from her family. She said she no longer expects to recover the funds but hopes Calderon will be stopped to prevent further victimization. Another victim, Rhea Ann Fuentes, said she initially bought tickets from Calderon in March but was scammed in June when he borrowed money from her and others, promising to repay with a profit of AED1,000 the next day. Fuentes revealed that part of the money she gave was borrowed from in-laws and a lending company, which she is still repaying.

Arman Ibarra, who lost nearly AED24,000, described Calderon as convincing and calm. Ibarra met Calderon through a colleague who also became a victim. He stated that they want their money returned and are prepared to take legal action if necessary.

Attempts to contact Calderon’s mother, who reportedly also works in Dubai, were unsuccessful as she deactivated her Facebook account and did not answer phone calls. Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista advised victims to seek help from the Migrant Workers Office’s in-house lawyer and to report the case to the police. Bautista noted that advisories warning Filipinos about scams have been issued previously but reiterated the need for vigilance.

This case highlights ongoing risks faced by overseas Filipino workers in the UAE, emphasizing the importance of caution when dealing with offers that seem too good to be true. The victims’ collective action aims to hold the alleged scammer accountable and prevent others from suffering similar losses.