My Blog

Tag: Fake job ads

  • How to Spot a Fake Job Ad Before It’s Too Late

    How to Spot a Fake Job Ad Before It’s Too Late

    So there I was. Sitting in my room. Phone in hand. I just found this job ad that screamed “easy money.”
    No experience. R9,000 per week. Work from home. Just a WhatsApp away.

    It felt like gold. But guess what? It was trash. A scam. A total lie. And I almost fell for it.

    That’s when I knew. People have to know how to spot this stuff. So this right here? This is your survival guide.

    Why Are There So Many Fake Job Ads

    Well. Because they work. Simple.
    Scammers know people are desperate. Looking for something. Anything.

    Here’s what they want from you.

    Your identity. Like your ID, CV, address, and banking info. That’s gold to scammers.
    They use it to steal. Open accounts. Commit fraud. In your name.

    Your money. “Pay a training fee.” “Deposit R150 for uniform.” Lies. Once you pay, they vanish. Like smoke.

    Access to your devices. They’ll send you files. Or weird links. Click those, and boom your device is compromised. Malware. Keyloggers. Not good.

    Your trust. Some go deeper. They recruit people into illegal stuff. Drug transport. Laundering money. You won’t even know. Till it’s too late.

    So yeah. It’s not just “fake.” It’s dangerous.

    The Red Flags: How Fake Ads Try to Trick You

    Let’s break it down. If a job ad has one or more of these? Pause. Breathe. Walk away.

    Job Descriptions That Say Nothing

    If it says “easy money” or “no skills needed,” and that’s it? Be careful.
    A real job tells you what you’ll do. Like, actual tasks. This one? It’s all glitter. No meat.

    Fake-sounding example:

    “R10,000 weekly. From your phone. 2 hours a day. Apply now. Limited spaces.”

    Sounds cool. But weird, right? Too vague. That’s on purpose.

    Bad Grammar or Typos

    “Work with uss. No skillz needed. You earn money fastly.”

    Nope. Not legit.
    Real companies proofread. Scammers? They rush. They don’t care.

    Weird Email Addresses

    You get an offer from “jobsATWoolies@gmail.com”?
    Run.
    Real companies don’t use free emails like Gmail or Yahoo for hiring. They use proper domains. Like  recruitmentupn@woolworths.co.za

    They Ask for Money Upfront

    Any ad that says:

    “R200 for admin fee”
    “Pay R300 for training kit”

    Is a scam.
    You never, ever pay to get a job. Never.

    They Hire You Too Fast

    You send a CV. Ten minutes later, they say, “Congrats, you got the job.”
    Wait, what?

    Where was the interview? Or reference check?
    Fake jobs don’t need proof. They just need victims.

    Too-Good-To-Be-True Pay

    Typing part-time, R20,000 a month? With no experience?

    That’s not a job offer. That’s bait. And you’re the fish.

    They Rush You

    They’ll say:

    “We only have 3 spots. Apply now or lose it.”
    Classic trick. Pressure you so you don’t think clearly. Don’t fall for it.

    No Online Presence

    Can’t find their website? No reviews?
    LinkedIn profile looks shady or doesn’t exist?
    That’s a big red flag.

    What to Do If You’re Not Sure

    Sometimes it’s not black and white. You’re just… unsure. That’s okay. Here’s what to do.

    Google the Company

    Search the name + “scam.”
    See what comes up.
    Legit companies will have reviews. Websites. News. Fake ones? Nothing. Or bad stuff.

    Check the Email Domain

    Emails like jobs@picknpay.co.za = fine.
    Emails like picknpayjobs2024@yahoo.com = nope.

    Search the Recruiter on LinkedIn

    They said their name is “Thabo M”? Cool. Look him up.
    No profile? Or a brand-new one with 0 connections? Be cautious.

    Ask Questions

    Ask where the office is. Ask for a job spec. Ask who you’ll report to.

    If they dodge or get irritated? That’s your answer.

    Real-Life Scams in SA: Watch Out

    Let’s keep it real. These are happening. Right here. Right now.

    Call Centre Scam

    They offer a call centre job. But ask for R250 to “secure your spot.”
    You pay. They ghost. Every. Time.

    Retail Jobs via WhatsApp

    You see a Pick n Pay job ad on Facebook. You message. They want airtime to “process” your application.
    Scam. Always.

    Government Jobs (like EPWP or Learnerships)

    Some ads say you’ve been shortlisted for an EPWP position. But they ask for “medical checkup fee.”
    Don’t send money. Government jobs don’t work like that.

    Typing Jobs from Home

    You get offered R15k/month for retyping PDFs. But you need to buy a “starter pack.”
    Spoiler: There’s no job. Just a “pack” that leads nowhere.

    How to Stay Safe While Job Hunting

    You don’t need to live in fear. Just be smart.

    No paying to apply. Ever.
    Don’t give ID numbers, bank info or selfies to strangers.
    Use trusted websites like LinkedIn, Careers24, or official company portals.
    Check company registration on CIPC.
    Keep your guard up. Even if it sounds nice. Especially if it sounds nice.

    What If You Already Got Scammed?

    First off, breathe. You’re not dumb. These people are pros. And you’re not alone.

    Now act fast.

    Cut contact. Don’t reply. Block them.
    Report it. Go to SAPS. Use cybercrime reporting sites. Tell your bank.
    Warn others. Post about it. Spread the word. You might save someone else.
    Protect your identity. Sign up with SAFPS (South African Fraud Prevention Service). Get alerts if someone uses your ID.

    Conclusion: You Deserve Better

    Looking for work is hard enough. You shouldn’t also be dodging scams.
    But here we are. So let’s stay smart.

    If a job feels wrong, don’t ignore that feeling.
    If they want money, say no.
    If they rush you, walk away.
    If it sounds too easy, it probably ain’t real.

    You’re not just a jobseeker. You’re a human. With dreams. Skills. A future.

    Don’t let anyone play with that.

  • Common Job Scam Tactics to Avoid

    Common Job Scam Tactics to Avoid

    Don’t Fall for It: How to Dodge Job Scams Like a Pro

    Imagine this. You’re sitting at home, CV updated, heart hopeful. You’ve been applying for jobs nonstop. Then a WhatsApp message or email pops up. “We’ve reviewed your resume, and you’re the perfect candidate. Work from home. Earn R15,000 a week. No experience needed.”

    Your heart skips. Finally, right?

    Wait. Stop. Breathe.

    Because that, right there, might be a scam.

    The Job Scam Boom: Why Is This Happening?

    Let’s be real. Jobs are tough to find. Unemployment is high. Remote work is trending. These conditions make it easier for scammers to create fake offers that look very real. Job boards, emails, Facebook posts, WhatsApp messages even LinkedIn has had its fair share of fake listings.

    They use legit-looking logos, urgent tones, and quick promises. And when you’re tired, broke, or desperate you might not stop to question the details.

    That’s what scammers count on.

    “You Got the Job!”…Without Even Applying

    Some scams start with something that should feel good.

    “Congratulations! You’ve been selected for a remote data entry job. No interview needed. Just send your details to HR on WhatsApp.”

    Hold up. You didn’t apply. You didn’t interview. They didn’t ask any questions.

    Big red flag.

    Real employers don’t offer jobs to people they’ve never spoken to. Ever. No serious company skips the application or interview process.

    Tactic: Scammers will say your CV was “found online” or that you were “automatically selected.” It’s a lie. It’s bait.

    “We Need a Small Fee to Get Started”

    This one hurts the most because it sounds so harmless.

    “To start work, you must pay a small admin/registration/training/uniform fee. It’s just R150. You’ll be reimbursed with your first salary.”

    Nope. Don’t do it.

    Never, ever, pay to get a job. Legit employers pay you, not the other way around.

    Some scammers will even go so far as to give you a fake company receipt, a reference number, or bank details—just to make it look real.

    They’ll say, “We’re an international company, and we need to process your employee ID.” Or “HR needs to activate your profile.”

    All lies. Don’t buy into it.

    Tactic: Asking for fees upfront for training kits, registration, or background checks.

    The Job Description Is Vague (or Too Perfect)

    Sometimes a fake job looks like this:

    “Work from home. Flexible hours. R5,000 per week. No experience needed. All you need is a phone and internet. Start immediately.”

    Sounds amazing, right?

    Too amazing.

    These scams keep things vague on purpose. No mention of the company name. No clear responsibilities. No proper contact information.

    And sometimes, the job seems too perfect. Every benefit. Zero requirements. Just “click here and start today.”

    Tactic: Scammers keep things vague so you ask fewer questions. Or, they flood you with benefits to blind you to the missing info.

    Strange Interview Proces

    Got an interview request but it’s via Telegram, WhatsApp, or some weird messaging app?

    That’s a warning.

    Yes, some real companies use Zoom or Teams for interviews. But if someone insists on chatting only via text on an unprofessional platform question it.

    Even worse, some scammers send you a long list of questions via WhatsApp, then say, “Congrats, you’ve passed the interview!”. And boom there’s the catch. You need to pay for training or onboarding.

    Tactic: Fake interviews are used to build trust. Once they feel you’re “invested,” they strike with the payment scam.

    You’re Asked for Sensitive Personal Info Too Soon

    Real job applications may ask for your ID, references, or proof of qualifications—but not immediately. And definitely not before an interview or formal offer.

    Some scams ask for:

    • Copy of your ID
    • Bank details
    • Tax number
    • Payslip
    • Utility bills
    • Signature

    And once they have that… Identity theft begins.

    Tactic: “We need your info to create your profile.” Don’t hand over personal data until you’re 100% sure it’s a real employer.

    Shady Email Addresses and Grammar Issues

    Look closely at that email address.

    From: jobs@careers_googleinc.co.za

    Looks almost real, doesn’t it?

    But Google doesn’t use sketchy domains like “.co.za” for international hiring. Scammers mimic big brands using similar domains to trick people.

    Also check the writing style. Is the message full of grammar issues, strange phrases, or robotic wording?

    That’s another giveaway.

    Tactic: Professional companies use clear communication, branded emails, and real contact information. If it looks off, it probably is.

    “Act Now! Limited Slots Available!”

    Scammers love urgency.

    “We need to fill this job TODAY. First 20 people to reply will get it.”

    This is pressure sales.

    Real jobs don’t expire in 2 hours.

    They don’t tell you to “rush before others take it.” That’s fear marketing. They want you to act without thinking.

    They want to short-circuit your logic.

    Tactic: Creating a sense of urgency to rush you into decisions—especially payments.

    So… What Does a Legit Job Offer Look Like?

    Here’s a checklist you can use:

    • Job was posted on a verified company site or known platform (like LinkedIn or Indeed)
    • There was a proper application and interview process
    • Clear job title, duties, and expected hours
    • No payments or fees required
    • Legit email domain (e.g., hr@companyname.com)
    • No pressure or urgency
    • You’ve researched the company and found consistent info
    • They didn’t ask for sensitive personal info too soon

    If it checks all the boxes, you’re probably in the clear.

    But if anything feels off pause and investigate.

    How to Protect Yourself

    Here’s your survival kit:

    Google everything-company name + “scam” or “reviews.” Fake jobs often get exposed online.

    Use official websites – Apply only through official company sites or verified job boards.

    Call the company – Get their official contact from Google and ask if the job exists.

    Screenshot suspicious messages—keep records in case you want to report it.

    Block and report – If someone asks for money, ghost them. Then report to authorities.

    Where to Report Job Scams in South Africa

    • SAFPS (South African Fraud Prevention Services)
    • Cybercrime Unit (SAPS): Report online or visit your nearest station
    • Job platform: Report fake ads on LinkedIn, Facebook, Indeed, etc.
    • Consumer Protection Services in your province

    You can also warn others on social media or review sites. Your post might save someone.

    One Last Story

    Sipho, a 23-year-old graduate from Limpopo, thought he had landed a dream job data entry, R9,000/month, remote. They asked for R100 “for training material.” He sent it.

    Then they asked for R250 “for account setup.” He paid again.

    And then… they disappeared.

    He later found out the company never existed.

    He’s not alone. But he’s learned.

    “Now, I double-check everything,” he says. “If they ask for money, I’m out. I warn everyone I can.”

    Final Thoughts

    Scammers are evolving. Their messages look real. Their promises sound sweet.

    But you? You’re smarter now.

    Trust your gut. Ask questions. Don’t rush.

    And if anything smells fishy walk away.

    Because the right job won’t make you pay. It won’t ask you to act blindly. And it definitely won’t be hiding behind a WhatsApp message at 11pm.

    You deserve a real job. Not a scam.