Spot a fake job offer

Fake job offers cost job seekers money and expose their personal information. Most scams follow the same patterns, so they're easy to spot once you know them.

The golden rule

You should never pay to get a job. In South Africa, the Employment Services Act doesn't allow employment agencies to charge job seekers a fee. Go2Work will never ask you for money.

Warning signs

• You're asked to pay for training, a uniform, a medical, a police clearance, a "registration fee" or a visa before you start.
• The offer comes without an interview, or after a short chat on WhatsApp or Telegram.
• The pay is too good for the work, for example a high salary for simple online tasks such as liking videos or rating products.
• You're asked for your bank details, ID or passwords before you've received a written offer.
• The email address is a free one that doesn't match the company's name, or the advert has many spelling mistakes.
• The interview is in a private home or a hotel room, or you're told to keep the offer secret.
• A job abroad is offered by someone who can't give you a registered company name, a written contract and the employer's details.

Before you accept an offer

1. Search for the company online and call its official phone number to confirm the job is real.
2. Ask for the employer's name, the work address and a written contract.
3. Check that any agency you deal with is registered with the Department of Employment and Labour.
4. Never send money, and never share banking passwords or one-time PINs.

If you think it's a scam

• Stop all contact and don't pay anything.
• If you've already paid or shared bank details, contact your bank straight away.
• Report the scam to the police: SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
• If the scammer used the Go2Work name, let us know so we can warn others.