Protect Yourself Against Scammers Targeting Job Seekers and Small Businesses This Festive Season

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) warns against scammers targeting job seekers and small businesses during the festive season. To avoid falling for scams, individuals should exercise caution, verify the legitimacy of advertised vacancies, and avoid sharing personal information. The DPWI stresses that the government will never ask for payments related to services, jobs, and tenders. By staying alert and reporting any suspected scams, the public can protect themselves and others from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

How can you protect yourself against scammers targeting job seekers and small businesses during the festive season?

To avoid falling for scams, job seekers and small businesses must exercise caution and remain vigilant. The government will never ask for payments related to services, jobs, and tenders. Verify the legitimacy of advertised vacancies by visiting official websites or DPWI offices. Be wary of unsolicited emails requesting personal information or offering job opportunities, and report any suspected scams to the appropriate authorities or organizations.

Be On Guard for Fraudulent Schemes

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has recently alerted the public to a heightened risk of fraudulent scammers targeting job seekers and small businesses as the festive season approaches. These scammers take advantage of the desperation of individuals seeking employment and business opportunities, so it is vital for the public to remain vigilant.

During the so-called “silly season” of the holidays, it is critical for people to exercise caution and avoid falling for scams that exploit their vulnerabilities. The DPWI stresses that any jobs or tenders they offer have been officially advertised through the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Circular, on the official departmental website (www.publicworks.gov.za), or in national newspapers.

It is important to remember that official government websites, application links, and email addresses always end with “gov.za” rather than “.org,” which some fraudulent advertisements may falsely use. To protect themselves, the public must stay alert and be aware of scammers who request payments for government services that are never actually rendered.

Identifying and Avoiding Scams

The government will never ask for payments related to services, jobs, and tenders, including Request for Quotations (RFQ). Job advertisements requiring payment should immediately raise suspicions. To verify the legitimacy of advertised vacancies, job seekers should visit official websites as mentioned before or go to DPWI offices to confirm any job openings.

In case of any inquiries or doubts regarding RFQs or suspicious job offers, it is crucial to verify the information with the Department before spending your hard-earned money. You can visit the Department’s website or contact them at 012 406 1439 or Lesole.Matsotso@dpw.gov.za. For further inquiries, you can reach Lennox Mabaso at 082 884 2403 or Thami Mchunu at 079 519 6997.

As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, educating oneself about potential fraudulent activities and taking steps to protect oneself from falling victim to such schemes is more important than ever. In addition to the DPWI’s advice, consider these additional precautions:

1. Research the company: When receiving a job offer or tender opportunity from an unfamiliar company, research them online. Look for reviews or any red flags that may indicate a scam.

2. Double-check contact information: Be skeptical of contact information provided in emails or job advertisements. Verify the contact details through official websites or other reputable sources.

3. Don’t share personal information: Avoid giving out sensitive personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know or trust. Scammers often use this information to commit identity theft or make unauthorized transactions.

4. Be cautious with emails: Be wary of unsolicited emails requesting personal information or offering job opportunities. Many phishing scams use emails to trick people into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

5. Verify government services: Before making any payments for government services, ensure that the service is legitimate and offered by an official government agency. Check official websites or contact government offices to confirm the validity of the service.

6. Report scams: If you suspect you have encountered a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities or organizations. By doing so, you can help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes.

Safeguarding Yourself and Others

By staying vigilant and following the DPWI’s guidance, job seekers and small businesses can protect themselves from falling prey to scammers during the festive season. By taking these precautions and maintaining a healthy skepticism, individuals can prevent potential financial losses and emotional distress caused by fraudulent schemes.

1. What is the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) warning against during the festive season?

The DPWI is warning against scammers targeting job seekers and small businesses during the festive season.

2. What should individuals do to avoid falling for scams?

Individuals should exercise caution, verify the legitimacy of advertised vacancies, and avoid sharing personal information.

3. What is the government’s stance on payments related to services, jobs, and tenders?

The government will never ask for payments related to services, jobs, and tenders.

4. Where can individuals verify the legitimacy of advertised vacancies?

Individuals can verify the legitimacy of advertised vacancies by visiting official websites or DPWI offices.

5. What should individuals be wary of in emails?

Individuals should be wary of unsolicited emails requesting personal information or offering job opportunities.

6. What should individuals do if they encounter a potential scam?

Individuals should report any suspected scams to the appropriate authorities or organizations.

7. What additional precautions can individuals take to protect themselves from scams?

Individuals can research companies, double-check contact information, avoid sharing personal information, verify government services, and report scams.

8. What can individuals do to protect others from falling victim to scams?

Individuals can report suspected scams to the appropriate authorities or organizations to help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes.