JMPD warns public about fake job recruitment scam
Job seekers are urged to ignore fake recruitment adverts circulating on social media, warning that the department is not recruiting and never accepts applications through WhatsApp or unofficial websites.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has warned the public about a fake job advertisement circulating on Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp claiming the department is recruiting new officers.
The fraudulent advert falsely claims that the JMPD is accepting CVs for job opportunities and includes fake minimum requirements, suspicious application links and private WhatsApp contact numbers.
The department has confirmed that it currently has no advertised vacancies or active recruitment drive for trainee officers.
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JMPD said legitimate City of Johannesburg and department vacancies are advertised only through official City of Johannesburg platforms, verified JMPD social media pages and mainstream print media.
The department also stressed that it never processes job applications through WhatsApp, third-party recruitment websites or private cellphone numbers.
JMPD reminded the public that no payment is ever required to apply for a position within the public service or law enforcement. Anyone requesting an administration fee, medical fee or payment for a uniform or training opportunity is a fraudster.
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JMPD’s Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, condemned the scam, saying criminals were exploiting unemployed job seekers.
“It is deeply disheartening to see criminals exploiting vulnerable, unemployed youth through fake recruitment drives. I want to make it unequivocally clear that the JMPD never recruits via WhatsApp or external, unverified websites. We urge the public to verify all job openings directly through official City of Johannesburg channels, and we are working closely with law enforcement to track down and arrest these scammers.”
The department urged job seekers not to send personal information, identity documents or CVs to fraudulent platforms, warning that doing so could expose them to identity theft and financial extortion.
Anyone who has fallen victim to the scam or has information about those responsible is encouraged to report the matter to the City’s 24-hour anti-fraud hotline or the police.
