Community resource

Community education resources

Simple material for schools, libraries, NGOs, churches, youth groups, and community WhatsApp admins.

WhatsApp-ready warning blurbs

Before you pay for a job, send your ID, click a link, or travel for an interview, check the warning signs first: jobtsek.co.za

Real job processes should not require upfront payment to apply, register, unlock tasks, or secure an interview. Pause and verify first.

If a job post asks for eWallet, voucher, crypto, Cash Send, OTPs, passwords, or ID copies over WhatsApp, do not rush. Check it first.

10-minute JobTsek activity

Show a fictional job message.
Ask what feels normal about it.
Ask what feels risky.
Open JobTsek and mark the warning signs together.
Discuss what the person should verify before paying, clicking, sending documents, or travelling.
End with the rule: pause, check, and ask someone you trust before acting.

Print this checklist

Print this checklist for job clubs, libraries, school noticeboards, youth groups, churches, or advice desks.

Safety checklist

Help someone safely

Do not ask them to send you their ID.
Do not ask them to forward private documents.
Do not collect banking details.
Do not ask for OTPs, passwords, or account access.
Look at the warning signs together.
Encourage them to verify through official channels.
If there is immediate danger, contact emergency or support services.

Schools and youth groups

Use JobTsek as a short activity before learners respond to social-media, WhatsApp, or SMS opportunities.

Libraries and advice desks

Print the checklist and help visitors compare a message against common risk indicators without collecting their documents.

NGOs and churches

Share official-source links and direct help numbers with people who may be under pressure to pay or travel.

Community WhatsApp admins

Encourage members to verify posts before forwarding, especially messages that ask for fees, IDs, links, or urgent travel.

Copy-ready replies

Use these short replies when you need to pause the conversation without accusing anyone.

Verification reply

Thanks for the message. Please send the employer name, vacancy reference, official careers link, and a switchboard number I can find independently before I continue.

Upfront-fee reply

I cannot pay application, admin, screening, training, uniform, or placement fees before work starts. Please send the official application process and employer contact details.

ID-document reply

I cannot send ID, proof of address, bank letters, selfies, OTPs, or passwords at this stage. Please send the employer name, vacancy reference, and official application channel first.

Government-job reply

Please send the department name, vacancy circular or reference, closing date, and official .gov.za page. I will check the post through official channels before I continue.

Travel/interview reply

Please send the employer name, exact interview address, contact person, written appointment details, and a switchboard number I can find independently. I will not travel until I have checked the details.

OTP/password reply

I cannot share OTPs, passwords, banking logins, card PINs, or account access for a job application. Please continue through the official application channel.

App/download reply

I cannot install unknown apps, APKs, browser extensions, or downloads from a job message. Please send the official website or app-store listing so I can check it first.

Money-movement reply

I cannot receive, move, convert, or send money or parcels through my personal account for a job. Please send a written contract, employer details, and payroll process.

Share with someone you trust before acting.

JobTsek is guidance only. Use these pages to slow down, then check important details through channels you find yourself.

Official sources

These links informed the FAQ. Use them to verify details directly before you pay, share documents, click links, or travel.

Department of Employment and LabourEmployment and Labour guidance on work seekers not paying employment-service fees.South African Police ServiceSAPS guidance for thinking before clicking and checking online sources.SAFPS Protective RegistrationIdentity-protection support after suspected identity misuse.