Corporates raise red flag on job scammers
Industry leaders warn of job scam syndicate in Richards Bay
CRIMINALS posing as recruiters and promising unemployed community members fake work opportunities at Richards Bay’s big businesses continues to trick trusting people.
According to corporates and the Richards Bay SAPS, people are still getting duped into paying large fees to secure jobs at companies like Transnet, Foskor and the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT).
A statement from the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) indicates that it has come to their attention that payments amounting to R4 000 have been swindled from innocent job seekers in return for a position at the Richards Bay port.
‘TNPA advises the public not to engage in this fraudulent activity.
‘Neither TNPA nor any of its staff would ask for money in return for arranging a job in the organisation.
‘TNPA follows strict recruitment processes.
‘All positions are advertised in the local newspapers and job applicants need to provide the advertisement number when responding.
‘The application form being used by the syndicate is substantially different to that used by TNPA and the crucial sentence that requires job applicants to provide the advertisement reference number has been deleted.
‘All those who have been caught in this scam should approach the SAPS for assistance,’ it said.
Last year, RBCT also released a statement asking Zululanders to be wary of the prominent extortion scam.
‘The criminals entice the victims who, in most cases are unemployed, or have RBCT relevant skills,’ said the statement.
‘They identify themselves as RBCT recruitment agents and then instruct their victims to pay a set ‘fee’ via the retail stores money transfer facilities and other means.
‘Job seekers are advised that all RBCT recruitment matters are handled internally by the Human Resources department.
‘Under no circumstances will RBCT accept any form of payment for employment.’
Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson Debbie Ferreira confirmed the fake recruiters are still at work in the area.
‘We have ongoing investigations into these cases and I urge victims of these cons to report it to the SAPS,’ said Ferreira.
