Power utility, Eskom has issued a notice to members of the public, cautioning job seekers against being scammed by fake internet recruiters who targeted individuals looking for work at its power stations.
Interim Eskom spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena said the latest scam was directed at the Medupi Power Station, where the scammers advertised jobs on the internet.
According to the power utility, scammers lured unsuspecting victims to interviews in Gauteng and are asked to pay for accommodation and other fees.
Under no circumstances will Eskom require any payment from applicants during its recruitment process.
In some instances, the job seekers were required to deposit more money into a bank account for other expenses such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or medical assessment following the interviews, among other reasons, notes Mokwena.
Investigation Launched
As the power utility now has to deal with recruitment fraud, it launched a joint operation with the police, which led to the arrest of three suspects – two women and a man accomplice.
Upon receiving several complaints from members of the public about the recruitment scam at Medupi, Eskom launched a joint operation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), which led to the arrest of three suspects -- two females and a male accomplice.
The suspects are expected to re-appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on the 16th of August 2023.
Furthermore, Mokoena advised job seekers to be aware that vacancies at Eskom were on its recruitment website at www.eskom.co.za, and cautioned against using any other links on the internet.
Signs of Fake Job Scams
To avoid falling victim to fake job scams, job seekers should remain vigilant and look for these red flags:
- Unsolicited Job Offers: Be cautious of job offers that appear out of the blue, especially those received via email or social media, without prior application.
- Requests for Personal or Financial Information: Legitimate employers do not request sensitive information, such as bank account details or identity documents, during the initial stages of the application process.
- Poorly Designed Websites or Email Addresses: Scammers often use websites and email addresses that mimic official ones but may contain slight variations or typographical errors.
- Upfront Payment Demands: Never pay money to secure a job or for any pre-employment expenses. Legitimate employers do not require payment from job seekers.
- Absence of Contact Details: Legitimate companies should have official contact details, including physical addresses and phone numbers. Lack of such information raises suspicions.
By being aware of the signs of fraudulent activities and following the provided guidelines, prospective employees can protect themselves from scams and focus on genuine opportunities to build a successful career.
Eskom's warning serves as a timely reminder for job seekers to remain cautious and vigilant during their job search.
Members of the public who may have fallen victim to the scam are encouraged to contact Colonel Naidoo on 082 820 6174 or SAPS on 08600 10111 or SMS the Eskom Crime Line on 32211.
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