The South African government has urged young people to be cautious when responding to foreign job opportunities advertised online, warning that many such offers are fronts for human trafficking syndicates. According to the Department of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), criminal networks continue to lure unsuspecting individuals into illegal activities and exploitative conditions abroad.
These syndicates often disguise themselves as legitimate recruiters on social media platforms, targeting young job seekers with promises of high salaries and exciting opportunities. Officials advise that before considering any foreign job offer, applicants should verify the legitimacy of the company.
To protect themselves, job seekers are urged to:
- Confirm job listings via the company’s official website
- Verify contact details and physical addresses
- Be wary of recruiters using only WhatsApp, SMS, or social media inboxes
Avoid offers requiring upfront payments or bank information
This includes checking whether the job is advertised on the company’s official website, confirming that contact details match those on the website, and ensuring that the physical office address corresponds with official business listings.
Recruiters who rely solely on private channels such as WhatsApp, SMS, or direct messages on social media should be treated with extreme caution. Furthermore, genuine employers do not demand upfront payments, “processing fees,” or access to personal banking details. The government stresses the importance of researching a company’s track record, reviews, and registration details before committing to any overseas employment opportunity. “If something looks too good to be true, it probably is,” the statement warns. For added safety, citizens are encouraged to seek advice from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) or the relevant country’s embassy before making any decisions. More information is available at https://dirco.gov.za/
