The Department of Employment and Labour has cautioned job seekers to be vigilant against fraudulent job adverts circulating on social media and websites falsely claiming to represent the department.

According to the department, scammers are using the official Coat of Arms and departmental logo to mislead the public into believing that the vacancies are legitimate.

The department emphasised that all its vacancies are published free of charge on its official website (www.labour.gov.za) and other government platforms. Applicants are not required to pay any fees when applying for advertised posts.

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The Z83 application form is available for download on official online platforms, and hard copies can be obtained from any government office.

Job seekers are strongly advised not to pay for any job opportunities advertised online. The department also reminded employment agencies that they must register in accordance with the Employment Services Act No 4 of 2014, Section 13. Agencies are further urged not to repost vacancies or use departmental logos without authorisation.

The department warned that the misuse of the Coat of Arms is a criminal offence under the Herald Act of 1962. Any person found guilty of using the Coat of Arms, or an imitation thereof, for trade purposes without permission may face a fine of R1 000.

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 addition, Section 21 of the Act allows the registered body to institute civil proceedings against infringers, including claims for damages and interdicts.

The department reiterated its commitment to protecting job seekers and ensuring that recruitment processes remain transparent and free of exploitation.