Beware of fake employment agents

Tom Muleya

 Fraud Insight

Demand for securing overseas employment has left many aspirants counting their losses after falling victim to fraudulent agents. 

Some victims have lost both their hard-earned cash and their personal identification and travelling documents. 

Fraudsters are very calculative, and they know the field that is most frequented by people which they exploit to their monetary advantage. 

Following massive global deaths due to Covid-19, there seems to be lucrative jobs up for grabs in European countries and others. 

Many Zimbabweans are in the haste to secure jobs in perceived greener pastures, but criminals are pouncing on the unsuspecting victims.

According to information gathered, victims become scammed through referrals. 

Normally, the person who intends to secure a job overseas would contact a friend or a person who appears to be honest and well known to be helping people intending to secure jobs overseas. 

The front runner would then link the victim to the fraudulent agent. 

In some instances, the fraudulent employment agent would advertise their services on social media platforms purporting to be a recruitment agent for overseas employers. 

Most victims in these scams are those doing nurse aide courses and intend to secure jobs in the medical field overseas. 

The fraudulent agent would cause the victim to pay an administration fee of US$2 000 or more and submit travelling documents for processing of a visa. 

The victims would then be promised heaven. 

After making payment, the fraudulent employment agent would either disappear with the money and travelling documents or either victim is furnished with a fake visa.

 In order to avoid falling victim to fake employment agents, one should consider the following preventive measures:

Seek correct and accurate information relating to securing a job overseas. 

Visit the embassy of the country you intend to travel to as part of due diligence process.

Only deal with a legally registered and reputable agent in Zimbabwe.

Always bear in mind that while registered agents exist, many readily available agents are scammers and so don’t deal with them.

Visit or contact the police and find out on some prevailing risks and crimes associated with the process of securing a job overseas or the diaspora.

Find out from the police about the agent who intend to facilitate the process. Some may be a known scammer.

Practice cyber security hygiene, especially when you respond to an advert placed on social media platforms. 

Quickly report to the police when you perceive red flags of fraud for swift investigations.

Do not make rushed decisions due to pressure. In other words, take your time and ensure that you are doing the right thing.

Read full story on www.herald.co.zw

Payment should be the last thing to be done once all due diligence process has been satisfied.

Participate in the fight against fraud and cybercrimes and create a safe environment and crime free Zimbabwe.  Think Cyber Security. Watch out for the next issue.

For your feedback, WhatsApp line: 0772 764 043, or e-mail:[email protected]. Tom Muleya is a Detective Assistant Inspector working under the CID Commercial Crimes Division. He is also a member of the National Cyber Security Awareness Taskforce, Zimbabwe.

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