How to Avoid Job Scams (South Africa)
Job scams are increasing, especially on social media and WhatsApp. Use these tips to protect yourself:
🔴 1. Never Pay to Get a Job
❌ No real job, learnership, bursary, or internship asks for:
- Registration fees
- “Processing fees”
- CV fees to be shortlisted
✅ Rule: If they ask for money, it’s a scam.
🔴 2. Check the Company Properly
Before applying:
- Search the company on Google
- Check their official website
- Look for a Careers page
- Verify contact details (email, phone, address)
⚠️ Scammers often use fake logos and names.
CLICK TO FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK
🔴 3. Watch the Email Address
❌ Scams use Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook emails
✅ Legit companies use official domain emails
Example: @company.co.za
🔴 4. Be Careful on WhatsApp & Facebook
- Jobs shared only on WhatsApp groups are risky
- Fake ads often have:
- Poor grammar
- Urgent pressure (“Apply NOW or lose the chance!”)
- No closing date
- No company address
🔴 5. Never Share Personal Banking Details
❌ Do NOT send:
- Bank card details
- PIN numbers
- OTP codes
✅ Employers only ask for banking details after you’re hired, not during application.
🔴 6. Verify Learnerships & Bursaries
- Check the official company website
- Check the SETA website (for learnerships)
- For NSFAS, use www.nsfas.org.za only
🔴 7. Don’t Trust “Guaranteed Jobs”
❌ No one can guarantee a job, learnership, or bursary
❌ Avoid posts saying:
- “100% guaranteed placement”
- “No interview needed”
🔴 8. Trust Your Instinct
If something feels wrong:
- Stop
- Don’t apply
- Don’t share documents
