Scammers invade Bulawayo using job offers, many residents cry foul

As universities are churning out thousands of graduates to the world, Bulawayo residents have their lives at risk as they try to navigate survival means amid concerns over the city's invasion by daylight job scammers.


This comes after a number of people last week cried foul over the job scammers whom they complain that they are a threat to the little cash they have as they hunt for jobs in a country with over 90% unemployment.

A number of residents revealed that they have since fallen victims to the scammers while others noted that they foiled the criminals' attempts to cheat them.

Siphiwo Moyo who recently graduated explained her ordeal with vacancy scam offers online.

"There was a non governmental organisation advert I applied for and I was accepted on my email and before they asked for my whatsapp number.  A lady sent a message and told me they had contacted their shortlisted candidates for the post, but she had a fair arrangement on offer for me if I gave her something to produce to her Supervisor," Moyo said.

Moyo said she was asked to pay half of the amount, with the other balance to be paid when she gets her first pay of US$$350 with free allowance of food, transport and accommodation.

"I then realised that the offer letter logo was different from the one on the advert before I sent money. I got the logo from the internet and after a search, I found that the organisation did not even exist," said Moyo.

More so, Nomagugu Sibanda from Mahatshula North says she met gentleman along Jason Moyo Street in BUlawayo who invited her to his office in Bulawayo Centre to get a business card with his contacts for the stock take job that was imminent.

"As I was hurrying towards a shop along Main Street, I came across a man who asked if I could go with him to his shop for a stock take. After I told him I was in a hurry heading somewhere urgently, immediately a young man came from behind us, and he was told the same story, which he agreed to without any questions asked," said Sibanda.

Sibanda said they were lured to an office which the 'businessman' kept pointing at and not reaching the destination. She said she asked them to excuse her so that she go back to do her errands.

Some job seekers noted that social media group have been created, with the link circulated and people joining where Job vacancies are posted for people to apply through the group admin, after paying a deposit, with the balance to be paid from the first salary.

Contacted for comment Bulawayo Police Spokesperson Inspector Abednicho Ncube's mobile number was switched off.