JOHANNESBURG - Government is warning South Africans to be cautious of fake online job offers, saying organised criminal syndicates are using them to lure victims into human trafficking.
The warning follows the rescue of several South Africans from scam compounds in Myanmar after they accepted what they believed were legitimate overseas job offers.
The Department of Social Development says job seekers should be extremely cautious, particularly when an offer appears too good to be true.
Department spokesperson Sandy Godlwana says prospective employees should verify that the company and job offer are legitimate before applying or travelling.
She says many fraudulent job adverts are circulated on social media and through messaging platforms, making it easy for scammers to target unsuspecting victims.
Godlwana says young people, who are often desperate for employment, are especially vulnerable.
She warns that offers promising free travel or unusually lucrative salaries should be treated as red flags.
She is urging job seekers to conduct thorough research before accepting any overseas employment.
They should also consult their parents or caregivers and verify opportunities with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) or the Department of Employment and Labour.
The Department of Social Development is working closely with the SAPS and other stakeholders to assist in the repatriation of South Africans who have been trafficked.
Government is also partnering with non-governmental organisations to provide protection, counselling and psychosocial support to victims, many of whom suffer significant trauma as a result of their ordeal.
The department says support continues throughout the law enforcement process to ensure victims receive the assistance they need while investigations continue.