Zambians lose thousands to fake job offers as scammers exploit economic hardships

12 Views The Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) has expressed serious concern over the circulation of fake recruitment advertisements and fraudulent messages on social media platforms and other unofficial channels purporting to offer employment in the Service. In a statement, the Service strongly cautioned members of the public that Zambia Correctional Service recruitment is never conducted […]

12 Views

The Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) has expressed serious concern over the circulation of fake recruitment advertisements and fraudulent messages on social media platforms and other unofficial channels purporting to offer employment in the Service.

In a statement, the Service strongly cautioned members of the public that Zambia Correctional Service recruitment is never conducted through private messages, WhatsApp groups, SMS, or individuals. It also stressed that no money is ever charged at any stage of the recruitment process.

According to ZCS, it does not charge fees for applications, interviews, medical examinations, or the issuance of acceptance letters.

“All recruitment exercises are formally announced through official government media, including national newspapers, radio, television, and the official Zambia Correctional Service communication platforms.

“Any request for money, personal details, or promises of recruitment made through social media, phone calls, or unofficial platforms should be treated as fraudulent and criminal,” said ZCS.

That warning, however, appears to be just the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of Zambians are falling victim to fake job advertisements each month, losing money to scammers who promise lucrative employment in Zambia and abroad but demand upfront “processing fees” that never result in a job.

The scams have surged across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram groups, targeting graduates and job seekers desperate for work amid high unemployment.

Victims say they are lured with offers for jobs in mining, NGOs, airlines, and overseas positions in Canada, the UK, and the Middle East.

According to victims and officials, fraudsters typically post professional-looking job adverts with real company logos. Applicants are then asked to pay for “visa processing,” “medical tests,” “training,” or “security clearance” before they can be hired.

One Lusaka graduate, posting anonymously, said she paid K3,500 after being offered a nursing job in the UK. “They sent me an offer letter with the hospital logo. They said I needed to pay for my work permit first. After I sent the money, they blocked me,” she said.

Others report being asked to join paid WhatsApp groups for “job updates” or to buy application forms for government and NGO positions that do not exist.

The Zambia Police Service and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, ZICTA, have recorded dozens of complaints weekly. Most cases involve amounts between K1,000 and K10,000, but some victims claim to have lost more than K20,000.

Law enforcement officials have repeatedly said many of the scammers operate from outside Zambia and use local mobile money accounts to collect payments before disappearing.

Zambia Police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi recently cautioned that scammers may exploit certain avenues by posing as recruitment agents, and urged the public not to pay money or share personal information with individuals claiming to facilitate recruitment.

He also flagged job scams targeting the police service itself, following the emergence of fake recruitment agents after a recent senior police officers’ conference.

“During the recently concluded Commanders’ Conference, we only discussed the need for more officers in the future. This does not mean recruitment is currently taking place. We urge the public to be cautious of scammers who may falsely claim to facilitate recruitment,” said Chilabi.

“We remain committed to keeping the public informed and urge citizens to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information,” he added.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has warned job seekers to be wary of any employer demanding payment to secure a job. The Ministry maintains that no legitimate employer in Zambia or abroad will ask job seekers to pay to get a job. ZICTA has also urged the public to verify job adverts directly with companies and to report suspicious numbers.

Cyber security experts say scammers exploit urgency and the hope of escaping unemployment.

Charles Chama, a life skills coach, said: “Any ‘company’ that asks one to pay money to attend an interview, get a medical, or secure a slot is a scam.”

He added that no genuine employer, especially in mining, will ever request K500 for silicosis clearance or any other payment just to be considered for a job.

“Please protect yourself and others. If something feels suspicious, confirm with the official company HR numbers or verified websites before sending money,” he warned.

Authorities continue to advise job seekers to:
1. *Never pay for a job* – recruitment, interviews, and application forms should be free
2. *Verify the company* – call official HR lines listed on company websites, not numbers in the advert
3. *Be skeptical of ‘too good to be true’ offers* – especially jobs abroad with high pay and no experience needed
4. *Report scams* – to police, ZICTA, or the company being impersonated

With the job market remaining competitive, officials fear more Zambians will be targeted unless awareness increases.

Meanwhile, the newly established Zambia Cyber Security Agency now holds the official statutory mandate to investigate, trace, and prosecute individuals who use social media and digital platforms to commit online crimes.

Under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, the Agency, working with law enforcement, has full authority to track pseudo accounts, seize electronic devices, and arrest anyone involved in cyber crimes.