The Labour Department cautions employers, stakeholders and members of the public of a conman posing as a labour inspector.

The warning follows a complaint made last week by an employer in Howick, who said the man presented himself at her workplace to conduct a spot inspection and check on employees.

The man claimed things were ‘not in order’ and requested an amount of money to be deposited into an account. Fortunately the complainant became suspicious and contacted the Labour Department that confirmed the man did not work for the department. Labour inspectors always carry identity cards, which bears the inspector’s details and photo. The ID card is also produced prior to the inspection.

This ‘fraudster’ conducts unarranged inspections and requests a sum of money to be transferred into his account.

“The department categorically states that this is nothing more than a scam by an opportunistic swindler intent on fleecing the unsuspecting public,” said Acting Departmental Spokesman Mokgadi Pela.

The public is warned of this scam and urged to contact their nearest labour centre to verify any inspectors’ credentials or contact the nearest police station to report suspicious activity.

The Labour Department is currently working in conjunction with the police to ensure that this ‘fraudster’ is brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.