THE Gauteng finance department has warned members of the public to be wary of tricksters masquerading as recruitment agents.

The department has warned of a scam involving a company called "Efillis Government Recruiters", which claims to be an "in-house recruitment agency".

The company is asking people to deposit R300 "registration and administration fee" into a bank account before they can collect their employment contracts in the department's offices, which it says are located at "70 Fox Street", Marshalltown, in Johannesburg.

"We have been alerted to this scam by individuals who saw the advert on free advertising website www.gumtree.co.za," said department spokesman John Sukazi.

"The advert says the department is looking for a receptionist and the monthly salary offered is R8,400," Sukazi said.

He said the department was taking this matter very seriously and has launched an investigation through the Forensic Services Unit to determine the origin of the advert and those behind its distribution.

"We call on anyone who has information in this regard to come forward."

Sukazi said his department, like any other government department, will never request candidates to make payments to secure positions. He said state departments did not advertise employment opportunities on websites such as Gumtree, nor do they use employment agencies for this purpose.

"We use the mainstream media, Government Vacancy Circular of the department of public service and administration, and www.professionaljobcentre.gov.za to advertise employment opportunities.

"All prospective job seekers are urged to be on the lookout for employment opportunities in these information platforms."