Sex for a JOB? Scams on the rise!

Sex is the last thing on your mind when looking for job opportunities, yet sex-for-job scams could be on the rise in South Africa.

Legitimate job opportunities and scams can be difficult to separate. Scams could lead to forced criminal recruitment, human trafficking, or being forced to sleep with a prospective employer to get the job.

ALSO READ: Catfished: Potential signs of a romance scammer

No, an employer is not allowed to request sex, favors, money for a job application.

Here’s what to know about Southern Africa’s employment scams, and how to dodge the dodgy job ads.

Sex Job SCAMS on the rise

According to government’s Vukuzenzele newsletter, job-seekers are advised to be careful of any job opportunities they aim to apply for. The newsletter says that job scams can lead to forced recruitment for crimes, but could also lead down a path of sex-for-jobs scams.

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Legitimate job opportunities are linked to real companies, but fake job listings will only make the post LOOK like it was real to lure prospective applicants into a trap.

ALSO READ: SASSA warns against website fraud: How to avoid scammers

If someone asks you to sleep with them for a job or work opportunity, it’s your right to refuse and contact law enforcement!

Crimes targeting men and women

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have warned against sex scams using their organisation’s name to claim false job posts.

ALSO READ: SASSA advertising for JOB VACANCIES

It’s not the only company that’s been affected. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have also warned against similar scams, which aren’t real job opportunities but quick scams to lure people into dangerous situations.

Here’s how to stay safe from fake job opportunties and work posts:

• If you want to apply for work, use only the company’s official and verified website to do so.
• If you see an open job opportunity, contact the company’s head office to make sure that it’s real.
• Never show up to job interviews alone: take a friend, and tell someone where you are going.

Sex for homes or jobs IS ILLEGAL

Anyone who asks you to have sex with them for a job or accommodation is a criminal!

Asking or coercing someone into situations they do not want to be in is considered a crime by international law. Jobs scams shoud be reported to the relevant authorities, including the Department of Labour and South African Police Services.

Report crimes to SAPS

Have you encountered a job scam?

Report the event or listing to SAPS. Visit your nearest station, or call 112 and 10111 to reach the National SAPS dispatch line.

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