Unemployed are warned on jobs-for-payment scams

As the consequences of the lockdown hit the economy and unemployment increases, the public has been warned to beware of fraudsters offering jobs in return for money.

If you’re being offered a dream job that appears to be too good to be true, then the chances are that it probably is.

According to the Department of Labour, it is against the law in South Africa to require prospective employees to pay for job placements and anyone making such an offer will almost inevitably be a confidence trickster.

Fake jobs at Pietermaritzburg hospital

The warning follows the arrest of a man in KwaZulu-Natal who was offering work at a Pietermaritzburg hospital in return for payment. He was not connected with the hospital and the jobs never existed.

A statement from the KZN police commissioner released on Friday says the 58-year-old suspect will appear in court soon on charges of fraud after being arrested at KwaNdengezi, near Pinetown.

It is alleged that the suspect would phone his victims and offer them jobs at the hospital.

Posed as human resources manager

“He told his victims that he was employed as a human resources manager and had the means to get them employment if they deposited a required amount of cash into his account,” police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said.

 “The victims then deposited the required cash and the suspect vanished with the money.”

Gwala added that investigations are ongoing and there is a possibility that the suspect could be linked to more fraud cases. Victims who were scammed and have not reported the matter to police are urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Sanka on 082 459 7915, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Fake jobs Baragwanath Hospital too

In June, Soweto Sunrise News reported on a scam that offered fake jobs at Chris Hani Baragwaneth Hospital in Soweto and at other provincial hospitals in return for payments varying between R2 500 and R4 500.

The ‘jobs’ were advertised on social media using fake Gauteng Department of Health letterheads.