Job offer scam defrauds hopefuls of large sums

KwaZulu-Natal police yesterday warned the public of an employment scam in the Empangeni area near Richards Bay – in which at least a dozen people have been defrauded. The victims had paid a large amount of money to apply for teacher jobs advertised on social media.

Empangeni police are investigating a case of fraud in which unemployed people were scammed through fake job opportunities offered at one of the schools in the Dondotha area, Captain Nqobile Gwala said. It was alleged that teaching posts were advertised on social media.

The advert required candidates to deposit an amount of R2 850 into a money market account. After applicants deposited the requested cash they discovered they had been scammed.

A case of fraud had been opened at Empangeni police station after 12 people claimed that they were defrauded of more than R34 000.

“We are appealing to the public not to pay any money for job opportunities in government, as this is not a requirement. Victims should contact the station commander Brigadier Thango on 035901-5805/6,” Gwala said. – ANA