GAUTENG. – The beginning of the new year always leaves many helpless and susceptible to criminals.

With this in mind, the Gauteng Department of Health has warned members of the community of the  emergence of fake job, internship and bursary advertisements that are aimed at exploiting the desperate conditions of many people who are in the job market.

In the latest scam, the department said that a dubious text(ed) message was sent to a number of people inviting them to an “interview” at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria.

“When you are shortlisted for interview in the department you receive a formal invitation letter to an interview not through a texted message.”

In another fictitious advert which has been circulating nationally on social media platforms unsuspecting people are invited to apply for SA Nurse internship & job opportunity by submitting their details to a bogus online portal. The department said that it advertises vacancies and bursaries through official platforms, such as the Gauteng Online portal, Department of Public Service and Administration circular which is published on DPSA website, official departmental social media platforms and mainstream newspapers.

“Furthermore, employment applications are not faxed, rather they are either sent via post, emailed, or dropped-off physically at a designated hospital, clinic or any of our facilities in their original form for verification.”

The department also warned the public that some of these fake job and bursary advertisements, ask applicants to pay an amount of money in exchange for employment.

“No money is required to apply for jobs and bursaries in the public service. The Gauteng Department of Health pleads with community members to always be cautious and verify job and bursary advertisements that are circulated on social media platforms against those posted on the above-mentioned official sites.”