Durban North resident loses R8 000 in job fraud scam

A DURBAN North resident was recently defrauded of R8 000 and Durban North SAPS noted that the unemployed had become the latest targets of job scams.

The resident responded to an online work-from-home advertisement, which required payment to secure a position.

The spokesperson for the Durban North SAPS, Captain Raymond Deokaran, said scams that targeted the unemployed had become a common occurrence.

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“If anyone has been asked to deposit money to secure a job, we urge them to report these cases to the station. In this case, the resident spotted the advert online and responded. He was then sent a link to download and create a registered account. He was sent tasks to complete, which he did. Sixteen days later he received an email stating, in order to remain active on the platform, he was required to make a R2 000 deposit, which he did.

“Days later, he noticed his work profile was frozen and, when he contacted his ’employers’, he was told the only way to unlock his account was to deposit an additional sum of R6 000, which he did.  He later realised it was a scam and then contacted the police station,” he said. 

Deokaran confirmed a case of fraud had been opened and urged residents and members of the public not to fall for these types of scams.

“There are legitimate businesses advertising online. However, when money is requested to secure a position, you should be suspicious immediately. We are urging residents and members of the public to do their homework and find out if the person you are speaking to online is legitimate,” he said.