Woman nabbed in money-for-jobs scam
A 53-YEAR-OLD Lebowakgomo woman in Limpopo has been arrested for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting job-seekers of their money.
Members of the Hawks received a tip-off that the woman had been swindling people of their money after promising them jobs.
The woman allegedly charged each of the 11 people R1000 and promised them jobs as clerks, receptionists or drivers in the department of agriculture in Lebowakgomo.
According to police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mohale Ramatseba the woman pretended she worked for the department.
Ramatseba said the woman was arrested after police set a trap for her.
"We arrested the suspect on Friday and charged her with fraud. She will appear in the Thabamoopo Magistrate's court (today)."
Ramatseba said preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had worked for the department before.
"We want to sensitise members of the community to con artists who are targeting desperate job-seekers with the intention of defrauding them of their money. We also want to remind community members that job opportunities in government are mostly advertised and no money is required when one applies for these jobs," he said.
He urged the public to report people they come across masquerading as recruiting agents who wanted money in advance.
Pointman
This scam is prevalent. Just read the classified section especially of the Sun and you will find 50 waiter jobs - R7 500 plus tips - training provided. Desperate young people are being ripped off and we need to get these crooks behind bars.Report Abuse
CheeseBoy
arrest the so called victims as well for being so stupid and gullible. as a matter of fact what ever sentence you give her if found guilty give those idiots twice the punishment.for how many years now have people been warned about scams like this?
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Pointman
@tpaz and @CheeseBoy - you guys are ignorant. The victims are not stupid. Scam artists are very clever and they exploit weaknesses in society and peoples trust. Human society is based on trust. People get caught out all the time because they trust someone - just like you guys will get caught out because of your arrogance.Report Abuse
JUBJUB
PointmanThis scam is prevalent. Just read the classified section especially of the Sun and you will find 50 waiter jobs - R7 500 plus tips - training provided. Desperate young people are being ripped off and we need to get these crooks behind bars.
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That is true..and they use their last money some of them tehy even borrow it thats very sad indeed
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Ivypark
Let this be a lesson; you can't buy a job. There is nowhere where they sell jobs. Please our society is also the stemming corruption. Please stop giving money for favors i understand you are desperate.Report Abuse
Socrates
@Pointman, I can agree with you more, when you are desperate, sanity sometimes evades you, and this is why we say never make a decision in desperation or on a emotional charged tone. The same we advice new job applicant to never sound desperate in their interviews.these people were desperate for jobs and its not their falut that they trusted con people.
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DJWinner
Which side are you on: Malema side or Zuma? he he he...Sowetan never stop to amaze. What kind of question is this?Report Abuse