Coca-Cola SA issues warning of scamsters offering fake jobs

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has condemned the exploitation of job seekers by fraudulent recruiters, the company said on Friday.

In a statement, CCBSA said it had observed the re-emergence of individuals claiming to be representatives of the company advertising fraudulent offers of employment in exchange for payment.

The company said the offers were from unauthorised individuals fraudulently recruiting on CCBSA’s behalf or claiming to work for or be associated with the company.

“With unemployment on the rise, the desperation of job seekers is putting many at the risk of recruitment scams.

“There is a persistent pattern of certain individuals posing as recruiters using a company’s fake identity or letterhead to lure unsuspecting job seekers into believing these are legitimate job offers when they are not,” CCBSA said.

“Many people are prioritising getting jobs amid rising petrol costs which ultimately has a great impact on the cost of living.

“These scams rob job seekers of their valuable time and whatever little money is left in their pockets.

“These activities are not authorised and not linked in any way to CCBSA or any of its entities.

“All such activities must therefore be regarded as criminal and unlawful and should be reported to the authorities.

“It must be emphasised that neither CCBSA nor any of its entities would ever ask for upfront fees or payment before, during and/or after the recruitment process. We have a legitimate, fair and formal recruitment process in place which meets all legal and industry requirements.

“Should an individual be successful in gaining an offer of employment from the company, this communication would originate from a verifiable CCBSA source.

“Job seekers are advised not to be attracted or lured by any communication which solicits payment or otherwise.

“If they are in doubt or suspicious about offers of employment they have received, we urge them to contact CCBSA directly on 0800-005-174 to confirm whether the offer is legitimate.

“Furthermore, job seekers who are suspicious of any fraudulent activities linked to job offers at CCBSA may contact the police services on 10111 or report the matter at a police station nearby.

“CCBSA would like to assure the public that the company is taking this matter seriously and it is investigating all claims received in this regard.

“CCBSA will be working with the relevant authorities to end this fraudulent activity.”