7 signs a job advert is a scam

With so many young people looking for work, scammers target job seekers every day, especially on Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok. Some want your money, others want your ID number and bank details. These are the warning signs to look out for.

1. They ask you to pay

This is the biggest red flag. A real employer will never ask you to pay for an application, a "registration fee", training material, a uniform or a medical test before you start. If money is involved, walk away.

2. The contact is only a WhatsApp number

Real companies and government departments have official email addresses and websites. Be careful when the only way to apply is a cellphone number, or an email ending in gmail.com or yahoo.com claiming to be a large company or department.

3. The pay is too good to be true

A "data capturer, no experience, R25 000 per month, work from home" advert is almost certainly fake. Compare the salary to similar posts.

4. You "got the job" without an interview

If you are told you've been hired after only sending your CV, and then asked for money or personal documents, it's a scam.

5. They want sensitive details too early

You should not need to send your bank details, banking PIN, or copies of your ID to a stranger before a formal job offer. Never share OTPs or passwords with anyone.

6. The advert is full of mistakes and urgency

Poor spelling, lots of capital letters and pressure like "ONLY 5 SPACES LEFT, APPLY TODAY" are common in fake adverts.

7. You can't find it anywhere official

Check the company's own careers page or, for government posts, the department's website and the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular. If the job doesn't exist there, be suspicious.

What to do if you spot one

Don't engage, don't pay and don't share it. Report the post on the platform where you saw it. If you see a suspicious listing on JobFound, report it to us and we will investigate and remove it.