Beware of Deceptive Employment Scams
A Public Advisory for Employment Seekers
In Brief
- A renewed online employment scam is targeting individuals with false promises of easy money using the name of the reputable retailer, Tesco.
- The scammer, who identifies as "Joanna", attempts to validate the scheme's authenticity by claiming Tesco provides stable incomes for many people.
- uSpiked Investigations reveals that this scam combines elements of multi-level marketing (MLM) and a Ponzi scheme.
- Participation in these schemes can result in financial devastation and potential imprisonment for involvement in economic crimes.
- uSpiked advises individuals to immediately disengage from such offers and report them to the relevant authorities.
Once again, cyber fraudsters have resurfaced, evolving their tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals. These schemes prey on vulnerability, offering false promises of employment and easy money. If you receive a message along the lines of:
"Dear, you have passed our interview. Please contact our HR manager to accept the offer and confirm salary details: wa.me/27698960710,"
Be advised—this is a scam designed to defraud you and potentially implicate you in a series of financial crimes.
The New Scheme: A Deceptive Facade
This latest scam impersonates the reputable British multinational retailer, Tesco. Unlike previous iterations tied to Amazon Rebate Mall via Telegram, this operation utilises WhatsApp as its platform. Upon responding, victims are greeted with:
"Hello! I'm Joanna, the business management manager of the TESCO team. You only need to work online on your mobile phone for 1 hour a day to earn R800–R2000 a day. Are you interested?"
Amid rising inflation and economic hardship, the promise of earning R2,000 daily without leaving home can be irresistible. Following an initial engagement, victims are guided through a seemingly harmless registration process, during which "Joanna" incentivises participation with a token joining reward of R25.
A Sophisticated Trap
Once registered, victims are added to a WhatsApp group named "Tesco Team," which appears populated with over 150 members—further enhancing the illusion of legitimacy. However, unlike the Amazon scheme, this group is openly accessible to all members, and personal details are exposed.
When pressed on the legality of the operation, ‘Joanna’ attempts to validate its authenticity, claiming:
"We are a real and legitimate grocery and department store retailer, providing stable incomes for many people. Everyone here is making money."
This claim is accompanied by dubious documents allegedly authorized by the South African government. A cursory review reveals glaring errors in language and civic understanding, undermining their credibility.
The Financial Consequences of Falling Prey
Participation in such schemes can lead to financial devastation and, in some cases, imprisonment for involvement in economic crimes. uSpiked’s Investigations reveal this operation combines elements of Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) and a Ponzi scheme, both of which are highly detrimental to victims.
While MLM structures are lawful when transparently managed, recruitment under false pretences violates the Consumer Protection Act, exposing participants to legal risks.
A Call to Vigilance
uSpiked undertook this investigation to protect consumers. Do not be deceived by promises of easy money or pressured into making incomprehensible payments. Such actions could lead to personal and financial ruin.
Understanding and rejecting these fraudulent schemes is critical. If approached by such offers, disengage immediately and report the incident to the relevant authorities. Remember, informed vigilance is your best defence against cyber fraud.