Refundable vetting fee
A recruiter says your application is accepted but you must pay a small refundable vetting fee through a supermarket money-transfer service before an appointment letter is released.
What to check
- Treat payment before employment as a high-impact risk indicator, even when it is described as refundable.
- Check whether the fee is being sent to a personal account, voucher code, eWallet, Cash Send, crypto wallet, or supermarket transfer channel.
- Search for the employer or department process yourself instead of using only the contact details in the message.
- Be careful with fees described as admin, registration, police clearance, background check, screening, uniform, training, medical, or placement costs.
Recommended next steps
- Do not pay the fee while you are still checking the opportunity.
- Keep screenshots, payment instructions, phone numbers, account details, and advert links.
- Use official channels or trusted people to check the process before continuing.
Official sources
Use these as starting points, then check important details through channels you find yourself.
Share with someone you trust before acting.
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.
Ready to check the opportunity?
Mark what matches, then review a report before you take the next step.