Job seekers beware, warns Electoral Commission, following increase in job scams ahead of 2024 Elections
The Electoral Commission (IEC) would like to warn members of the public and citizens about fraudsters using online job advertisement websites in the name of the organisation to obtain personal information from unsuspecting job seekers.
The Commission warns that various advertisements are currently doing the rounds on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. Some advertisements claim that the Electoral Commission is recruiting for the forthcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections and ask interested persons to provide their personal information. Other fake advertisements purport to advertise the Electoral Commission’s recruitment portal.
Sy Mamabolo, Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission, cautions that while the Electoral Commission is indeed recruiting for the forthcoming elections, these phishing sites are not legitimate advertisements.
“Scammers are using fake job postings to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants. No sooner have we had one site shut down, then we receive reports of others.
“I wish to stress that the Electoral Commission only advertises its job opportunities is on its official social media channels – Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, and on its recruitment portal on the official website – www.elections.org.za. Any post, message or website that asks you to fill in your personal details as part of an application process, or directs you to any other website is a potential phishing site,” says Mamabolo.
In this instance, phishing takes place as the fraudsters masquerade as the Electoral Commission, and using the promise of jobs in their communication as clickbait to deceive people into revealing sensitive personal information.
“We appeal to job seekers to protect themselves by applying for our jobs on our website only. Please share this message with family and friends, and don't let fraudsters take advantage of you,” he further appealed.
“If you’re unsure whether a job advertisement is legitimate, please contact us on one of our social media pages or email info@elections.org.za,” Mamabolo says.
The Electoral Commission is in the process of taking legal action against the entities involved in this fraudulent practice.
To register on the Electoral Commission’s jobs portal and apply for available positions, please visit the secure link https://www.elections.org.za/pw/About-Us/BrowseJobs.
For media queries: Please contact Kate Bapela on 082 600 6386
For media interviews: Please email requests to spokesperson@elections.org.za
