Spokesperson for the department Lerato Mashamba said in some cases these “officials” claim they fix Unemployment Insurance Fund issues (UIF) for people.
She said the the department was notified of the scam by a client after she received a call from a certain Mr Modiba offering speedy assistance with UIF matters and work opportunities in exchange for money.
Mashamba said the department does not charge for its services. She said the complainant notified the department when “Mr Modiba” insisted that she deposit the money through money market.
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“Every year when we approach or during the festive season, we receive an influx of complaints from clients about a certain Mr Modiba who is said to work at Polokwane Labour Centre and has scammed a lot of people of their hard-earned cash,” said deputy director of operations of the Labour Centre, Malesela Mothata.
Mothata said clients should be alert at all times as scammers are taking advantage of vulnerable clients.
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“Our officials will never ask clients to deposit money in exchange of services, we pride ourselves in rendering free services to our clients.”
The scam is said to have spread to Mokopane and nearby areas.
Should clients receive a call from any individual offering services in exchange for money they must call the department to report them on the fraud hotline: 0800-0701-701 or send an email to fraud@labour.gov.za
