Beware: Scammers target job seekers
Epworth Children’s Village had to turn several women away who were conned into believing they had been employed by the organisation.
Twenty-seven women arrived on Epworth Children’s Village’s doorstep, over a three day period, believing they had been employed by the organisation.
However, the women were all left disappointed when they discovered they had been conned, and there was no job waiting for them.
The first five women arrived last Saturday.
“I received a message saying that the women were at the offices and that they were there to start jobs as cleaners,” said Penny Lundie, director of Epworth Children’s Village.
“I asked for more details and was sent the message one of the women had received about the ‘job’.
“I still didn’t really realise what was happening and simply made it clear that we were not hiring anyone.”
ALSO READ: Germiston police warn residents of new scam
Two more women arrived, last Sunday, claiming they were there to start in the same position, and once again they were turned away as there were no jobs available.
“Then last Monday, 20 women arrived, all claiming they had been told they would be starting work as cleaners,” Lundie said.
Though the women come from across Gauteng, they had a few things in common.
Firstly they had all allegedly taken classified advertisements seeking domestic employment in several Caxton newspapers and on Caxton websites.
Secondly, they had received a call from a very ‘nice’, well-spoken woman, who reportedly claimed to be a social worker, who asked them if they were seeking employment. When they said yes, she offered them the position at Epworth.
Finally, the women all received a message confirming the employment and instructing them to pay R180 for a uniform.
“Many of the women went online and searched the organisation and discovered we do exist.
“So they had tried to do some research,” said Lundie.
ALSO READ: SANDF distances itself from recruitment scam
After they had made payment the woman then forwarded them instructions and a starting date and time.
“The message stated their starting date and time and directions to Epworth, that they needed to wear black and white, that tea and coffee were for free but they needed to bring their own lunch.
“All making the promise of employment sound legitimate,” Lundie explained.
Sadly all of the women had been scammed and they were left with money out of their pockets.
“It is not only the R180, but it is also transport money.
“One woman even said she went out and bought a black skirt as she didn’t have one,” said Lundie.
Lundie further explained the process Epworth follows when hiring an employee.
“The potential employee will go through a series of interviews with a panel of interviewers.
“In addition to this they will have to get police clearance as we are a children’s organisation,” she said.
Epworth contacted the Germiston SAPS to see if something could be done but was allegedly advised that though cases could be opened it is unlikely anything could be done as there is very little physical evidence.
Job seekers are once again warned never to pay any money to a person claiming to have a job for them.
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