Job seekers warned against recruitment scams

01 July 2021 Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) condemns the exploitation of job seekers by fraudulent recruiters, a trend that has recently resurfaced given the high levels of desperation amongst unemployed youth.

In particular, CCBSA has observed the re-emergence of individuals claiming to be representatives of the company advertising fraudulent offers of employment in exchange for payment, in order to bypass the “recruitment process”. The offers come from unauthorised individuals fraudulently recruiting on CCBSA’s behalf or claiming to work for or be associated with the company.

With South Africa battling high unemployment, the desperation of job seekers is putting many at the risk of recruitment scams. There is a persistent pattern of certain individuals posing as recruiters using a company’s fake identity or letterhead to lure unsuspecting job seekers into believing these are legitimate job offers when they are not.

Many people begin the year prioritising getting jobs amid an ailing economy, a second wave of Covid-19 and now the added dilemma of having to navigate recruitment scams. This robs them of their valued time and whatever little money is left in their pockets.  

CCBSA wishes to warn the public and communities about this scam. These activities are not authorised and not linked in any way to CCBSA or any of its entities. All such activities must therefore be regarded as criminal and unlawful and should be reported accordingly.  

It must be emphasised that neither CCBSA nor any of its entities would ever ask for upfront fees or payment before, during and/or after the recruitment process. We pride ourselves on the fair and formal recruitment process we have in place, which meets all legal and industry requirements. Should an individual be successful in gaining an offer of employment from the company, this communication would originate from a verifiable CCBSA source.

Job seekers are advised not to be attracted or lured by any communication which solicits payment or otherwise. If they are in doubt or suspicious about offers of employment they have received, we urge them to contact CCBSA directly on 0800 005 174 to confirm whether the offer is legitimate. Furthermore, job seekers suspicious of any fraudulent activities linked to job offers at CCBSA may contact the police services on 10111 or report the matter at police station nearby.   

CCBSA would like to assure the public that the company is taking this matter extremely seriously and it is investigating all claims received in this regard.

CCBSA will be working with the relevant authorities to end this fraudulent activity.

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