Job Scams:
What you need to know
A guide to help you identify potential ‘fake’ jobs
What is a Job scam?
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many people losing their jobs. It is a
difficult time, and many people are desperate for a job. Job postings online are
normally real. However, there are some job postings that are 'fake'. These
postings are created by people that aim to take advantage of others during these
desperate times. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between a real
and a fake job posting. You need to be alert to any potential scams that might trick
you out of your money or safety.
Here are some tips to help you identify fake job offers and avoid job scams:
Warning Signs:
● If they contact you and you have not
If it sounds too ●
applied for the job.
If the pay is great and above the normal
good to be true, salary.
there is a high
● You get the job right away, after a quick
interview or without an interview.
risk that the job ● If they message you on WhatsApp/SMS
without calling you.
posting is fake! ● If they ask you to deposit money into a
Bank Account/Money Market Account
(PEP/Shoprite).
Warning Signs:
Fake job
advertisements ● Scammers try to make their messages
look and sound real by posting jobs with
usually have little easy requirements.
or no job ● Normally, the job requirements are simple
that almost everyone can do. For example,
requirements and Must be 18 years old. Must have access to
the internet.
short job ● The job requirements don’t mention years
of education or experience.
descriptions.
Warning Signs:
● If the email has some language mistakes,
be aware that this might be a scam.
Job scams send ● The email does not have the company’s
address and phone number, (Employers
unprofessional should use an official email address, not a
personal email address).
e-mails with no ● Some scam emails will look like they come
from real companies. Look at the email
contact address, then copy and paste it into the
GOOGLE search box. You can also type in
information the word ‘scam’ after the email address to
see if someone else has reported the
company.
Warning Signs:
● Some job scammers ask for your bank account
information to set up direct deposit or
Job scams often transfer money to your account, or ask you to
open a new bank account and provide the
ask you to provide information to them.
● Scammers ask for information so they can
personal “put you on the company insurance.”*Identity
theft scams try to get you to provide your ID
confidential number and birth date and other personal
information*.
information ● Official job postings will never ask for
full-body photos or sexual / nudity photos.
What to do if you think you have
found a job scam:
Contact Stop Do not give out
Employment communicating personal
Access on with them and information!
081 491 7811 for block their phone
Do not pay any
advice. number and
money!
email.
