Fraudsters target jobseekers

Desperate jobseekers are conned into paying for promised jobs which never materialise.

A group of fraudsters, who operate out of Johannesburg, are raking in thousands of Rands by claiming they work for the Khanyisa Trust in Edenvale.

In one case, the group promised a sceptical jobseeker that if the organisation could not place him in a job, the manager, Ms Shirley Kelly, would refund the R700 he paid.

The handwritten letter given to the jobseeker is signed as Shirley, manager.

The organisation has since distanced itself from the scam in which jobseekers are told to pay anything from R600 to R1 200.

Once payment has been received, jobseekers are sent to Khanyisa to undergo a test.

Fraudsters promise that within two weeks they will be placed into positions of employment.

After the two weeks, and by the time jobseekers enquire why they have not yet been employed, the fraudsters are long gone and so is the victim’s money.

The group, which is believed to consist of at least four members, have already scammed dozens of residents.

“These people have nothing and are lending money from friends and family to pay for a service which does not exist. They are so desperate to find a job that they are clutching at straws,” said Ms Kelly.

She added that Khanyisa would not ask for money to list jobseekers on its database.

“We will also never guarantee we will be able to find anyone a job,” said Ms Kelly.

“It is against the law for any agency to charge potential job seekers money to place them in positions of employment. Organisations such as Khanyisa charge a registration fee for individuals and businesses seeking employees,” she said.

Many of the people who have been caught in this scam have come to Khanyisa distraught.

“We have been part of this community for over 24 years. During this time, we have built up a good reputation and a trusted client base. Something like this can do untold damage,” said Ms Kelly.

She added that those who have been scammed must report this matter to the police immediately.

“How can you take from people who have nothing?” asked Ms Kelly.