The Electoral Commission (IEC) is alerting the public to an increase in job scams as the 2024 National and Provincial Elections approach. Fraudsters are using online job platforms to deceive job seekers by posing as the Commission and collecting personal information from unsuspecting individuals.
Misleading Job Advertisements Circulating on Social Media
These misleading job advertisements are being circulated on various social media platforms, including WhatsApp. Some of these advertisements falsely claim that the Electoral Commission is hiring for the upcoming elections and encourage interested individuals to divulge their personal information. Other similar advertisements misrepresent the Commission’s recruitment portal.
Scammers using Counterfeit Job Postings to Collect Sensitive Information
The Chief Electoral Officer of the IEC, Sy Mamabolo, has emphasized that while the Commission is hiring for the upcoming elections, these phishing sites are illegitimate. Scammers posing as the Electoral Commission are using counterfeit job postings to trick job seekers into providing their sensitive personal information. Although the Commission actively works to shut down these sites, new fraudulent platforms continue to emerge.
Official Channels for Job Opportunities
To ensure the public’s safety, Mamabolo advises job seekers to only apply for positions through official channels. The IEC exclusively advertises its job opportunities on its official social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter) and its recruitment portal on the official website (www.elections.org.za). Mamabolo encourages individuals to share this message with family and friends to prevent scammers from exploiting others.
Verification Process
If anyone doubts the legitimacy of a job advertisement, Mamabolo suggests contacting the Commission on one of its social media pages or emailing info@elections.org.za for verification. The IEC is currently pursuing legal action against those responsible for fraudulent activity.
Official Link for Job Applications
Interested applicants can visit the secure link https://www.elections.org.za/pw/About-Us/BrowseJobs to register on the Electoral Commission’s jobs portal and apply for available positions. For media inquiries, Kate Bapela can be contacted at 082 600 6386, while media interview requests can be sent to spokesperson@elections.org.za.
Remain Vigilant and Avoid Falling Victim
As the 2024 elections draw near, it is crucial for job seekers to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to such scams. By applying through official channels and verifying the authenticity of job postings, individuals can help protect themselves and their personal information.
