Beware of EPWP job scams in Cape Town

The City of Cape Town has recently come across a concerning issue – a new EPWP job scam that’s circulating on WhatsApp.

The scam, promising mass recruitment for EPWP positions in 2023, lures unsuspecting job seekers with the prospect of a monthly stipend ranging from R7,000 to R20,000.

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While the City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate has taken action to shut down the fraudulent link, job seekers are still falling prey to such schemes. It’s essential to be able to differentiate between legitimate job opportunities and scams.

Here are some common red flags that indicate a job might be a scam

1. The recruiter initiates contact with you.
2. You receive a job offer immediately, often without an interview.
3. The offered pay is unreasonably high for the job type.
4. Job requirements and descriptions are vague or unclear.
5. The company asks for payment from you as part of the application process.
6. The job makes unrealistic promises of quick wealth.
7. Communication from the company is unprofessional and riddled with spelling and grammar errors.
8. Contact information for the employer or company is missing or dubious.
9. The company requests sensitive personal information before hiring.

Job seekers urged to be extra vigilant

Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, emphasized, “We appeal to job seekers to please be extra vigilant. The City would never ask community members to pay for job opportunities or to apply for a job.”

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In these challenging times, staying informed and cautious is crucial to avoid falling victim to such scams. Always verify the legitimacy of job offers and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities to protect yourself and others from exploitation.

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