With the constant increase in unemployment rates, individuals who are looking for employment are at risk of being tricked by unscrupulous recruiters. Recently, the Department of Water and Sanitation has issued a warning against fake employment recruiters who falsely claim to represent the Department and offer training programs for unemployed youth.
The Scam
Within 24 hours, the Department has received numerous calls and email inquiries regarding a supposed mass training program. The fake recruiters target unemployed youth and offer a monthly salary of R 5,800. However, the spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa, has clarified that there is no such program within the Department. He emphasized that all official employment advertisements are published on the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) job circular and are also available on the Department’s official website.
The Danger
Bogus recruiters are pretending to be officials from the Department, conducting an illegitimate and illegal recruitment process. This deceitful practice has led the Department to advise the public to be cautious and vigilant. People should avoid providing their personal information and documents to anyone or any institution without proper official identification.
Warning Signs
Job seekers must be cautious and discerning in their quest for employment. Some warning signs of recruitment scams include unsolicited emails or phone calls offering employment, requests for payment as part of the recruitment process, and job advertisements that lack crucial details such as company name or contact information. Additionally, job seekers should research the company, verify the legitimacy of the contact information provided, and check the company’s website and official communication channels to confirm the authenticity of job postings.
Proactive Measures
The Department of Water and Sanitation is taking a proactive approach in raising awareness and protecting job seekers from these nefarious activities. By remaining vigilant and following the proper channels to verify employment opportunities, individuals can avoid falling victim to these scams.
As a community, we must work together to combat the growing issue of bogus employment recruiters. By staying informed, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can put an end to these fraudulent schemes and ensure a safe and honest job-hunting environment for all. If anyone receives any suspicious employment offers, they can contact the Department of Water and Sanitation’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, via phone at 060 561 8935 or via email at mavasaw@dws.gov.za.
