Beware of job scams on social media

© Artur Szczybylo – 123RF.com

The department issued the warning following a fraudulent scam placed on social media claiming the department is looking to hire unemployed youth into full time positions without even possessing any skills and experience.

According to the department, the scammers claim the department is looking to employ young unemployed South Africans with no experience.

Those employed, according to the department, are to be paid a monthly salary of R5,729 plus benefits.

All the applicants need only to have Grades 10, 11 and 12 to be considered for permanent positions.

“The department warned that those unsolicited Facebook, WhatsApp, text messages, or emails claiming to be from the Department of Water and Sanitation are fraudulent. The department wishes to bring to the attention of social media users, especially the youth, that they should not fall for this trap… This is a scam,” it said in a statement.

The department said it always follows the correct procedures of advertising posts through the relevant legislation regarding the employment of public servants.

“The department does not request job seekers to log onto any dodgy website because the employment of public servants has to follow the guidelines, as prescribed by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).

“Again, the department does not have such a programme, as placed on social media by these scammers. Also, emails or messages that are alleged to come from the department requesting information and/or demand a fee for a release of funds from the department are entirely fake.”

The department has urged recipients of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to ignore them.

Social media users receiving such scams are encouraged to visit the department’s nearest national or regional offices for clarity and verification purpose.