How Fake Job Scams Are Exploiting Desperate Job Seekers in Alberton

As South Africa faces a worsening unemployment crisis, job seekers in Alberton and surrounding areas are falling victim to elaborate fake job scams. Many have been left financially and emotionally devastated after being lured by fraudulent job offers that never materialize.

Watch on TikTok

A recent incident involving Veer Steel Mill has highlighted the scale of the problem. Reports surfaced that the company was hiring 500 workers, leading over 8,000 hopeful applicants to rush to submit their CVs. However, no one was hired.

Lebohang Sethosa, a job seeker from Thokoza, was among those caught in the ordeal. “I woke up at 3 a.m. to come here after hearing about the job openings. We spent our last money getting here, only to realize it was all for nothing,” he said.

According to Sethosa, around 7,000 CVs were collected, and applicants were told to wait two weeks while the Department of Home Affairs reviewed the situation. Many job seekers, frustrated by the time and money wasted, demanded their documents back.

The rise in fake job listings has become a major concern, with scammers taking advantage of vulnerable job seekers. Fraudsters post misleading job adverts on social media and websites, often promising high salaries with minimal qualifications required. Some even create fake company profiles to make their schemes more convincing.

A representative from Veer Steel Mill, speaking anonymously, dismissed the hiring claims as false. “These individuals, including a man named Thabang Moloi, spread false information and caused unnecessary confusion,” she said.

The deception extends beyond Veer Steel Mill. A few months ago, Car Tracker advertised a learnership opportunity that attracted a massive crowd to Rosebank, only for job seekers to be turned away without even submitting their CVs.

Watch on TikTok

South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remains alarmingly high. In the first quarter of 2024, it stood at 45.5% for individuals aged 15 to 34, compared to the overall national rate of 32.9%. This economic reality has left many young people desperate for any job opportunity, making them easy targets for scammers.

Community activist Bonga Okhethiweyo Mthembu expressed concern over the growing trend. “It’s heartbreaking to see how these scammers exploit people who are already struggling. Many job seekers are losing their last savings and their hope.”

The Department of Employment and Labour has repeatedly warned the public about fraudulent job scams. Officials urge job seekers to verify the legitimacy of job offers before submitting personal documents or making any financial commitments.

As fake job scams continue to rise, experts emphasize the need for stricter regulations and greater public awareness to protect South Africa’s unemployed population from further exploitation.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com