Latest UIF scams: These are new cons circulating on social media

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) recently issued two warnings to its clients and the wider public about new scams gaining traction on social media.

Those who come across these scams and fraudulent messages are urged to discard it and refrain from engaging with or paying the scammers.

Latest UIF scams

The fraudulent messages are shared on social media platforms and message services. Here’s what you need to know.

R21k payout

In the first scam, con artists lure clients with the promise of an approved payout of R21 785.

The catch, however, is that a claimant will only get the R21k when they pay a ‘UIF Registration and Clearance’ fee of R298.67.

It’s worth noting that UIF services are absolutely free and the fund said it will never request any form of payment for services rendered.

Fake UIF officials

In another scheme, fraudsters are pretending to be UIF officials on social media and are charging a fee to process claims.

The UIF is clear in this regard: it will never ask a client to pay for fast-tracking claims.

The fund is urging clients to exercise caution and not fall prey to these scams.

South Africans can help the fund to fight against fraud and corruption by reporting such scams on the UIF fraud hotline, 0800 601 148, or the national anti-corruption hotline, 0800 701 701.

If there’s any doubt, clients are advised to visit the nearest labour centre for free assistance.

A new safety measure

In a bid to prevent fraudulent claims, the UIF has rolled out a payment verification process.

While this process may cause a delay of up to 10 days before the payment is released into the claimant’s account, it’s a necessary measure to curb fraudulent claims.

The UIF has given its assurance to claimants that efforts are underway to expedite this process so that they won’t have to wait longer than necessary.