Johannesburg – Standard Bank is warning the public about an increase in the prevalence of fake employment advertisements.
“As social and economic pressures to find employment intensifies, fraudsters are exploiting these vulnerabilities to misuse money and personal information from unsuspecting job seekers,” the bank warned.
In a statement on Friday (May 2, 2025), Standard Bank said it understands the great pressures individuals face when securing employment.
“Unfortunately, fraudsters are using this social pressure point to deceive and fraudulent job seekers,” the bank said.
“These scammers post ads for fake jobs and often promise high salaries with minimal effort, but their true intention is to steal your information and money.”
Scammers frequently list ads on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and pretend to provide legitimate employment opportunities.
These ads often promise a high salary for small work or prepaid payments and fees. This should be a red flag for job seekers.
To protect yourself from victims of these frauds, Standard Bank offers the following tips:
• Cross-check employment company details: Always contact the employment company via official channels to check the validity of your job offer.
•Legal employers do not require advance payments. Be aware of jobs that require you to pay upfront for training, equipment or other fees.
•Do not disclose sensitive information: Do not share personal information such as your ID number, bank details, or one-time password (OTP) over the phone or online.
•Beware of work from home that promises high wages. Work that promises a substantial income for minimal effort is often not true.
Standard Bank said it is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of its customers.
If you believe you are targeted for fraud, contact our standard bank fraud hotline or call centre immediately.
