Nkosentsha Khumalo
Scams have become an unfortunate reality in Zimbabwe, a country where economic hardships have left many citizens desperate for financial relief.
In this challenging environment, the unscrupulous are taking advantage of the situation, preying on unsuspecting job seekers and other vulnerable individuals.
Fake job Advertisements and recruitment schemes have become all too common in the country, with scammers exploiting the desperation of those seeking employment.
Some daring fraudsters even go beyond the boarders of posing as fake doctors in Hospitals and providing the wrong medication to desperate patients.
Other fraudulent activities often involve charging fees for non-existent positions or promising quick returns on investment, only to disappear with the victim’s money.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has issued a serious warning to the public about a widespread fraudulent recruitment scheme.
Fake ZPCS recruitment advertisements have been popping up across social media platforms, luring unsuspecting job seekers to pay fees for non-existent positions.
Despite ZPCS’s efforts to educate the public about these scams, many individuals have fallen prey to these malicious schemes, leading to financial loss and emotional distress.
The scammers are so bold that they even set up fake selection exercises, adding an extra layer of deception to their sinister ploy.
ZPCS has emphasised that they do not charge any fees for recruitment, selection, or training.
According to ZPCS, all official recruitment activities are handled by the ZPCS without any cost to the candidates, and the organization does not engage any third parties in its hiring processes.
The ZPCS has urged the public to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any recruitment advertisements before taking any action. Interested applicants should consult the nearest ZPCS office to confirm the legitimacy of any calls for applications to join the organization.
The statement issued by the ZPCS’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi on behalf of the Commissioner-General of Prisons and Correctional Service, the statement reads, “The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) urgently calls for public awareness regarding a disturbing increase in fraudulent calls for recruitment being perpetrated by unscrupulous individuals masquerading as ZPCS officials. These criminals are targeting job seekers, tricking them to pay fees for non-existing employment opportunities within the ZPCS.
“The ZPCS has observed with great concern, a surge in scammers leveraging social media platforms disseminating counterfeit recruitment advertisements. Their ultimate aim is to get money from hopeful and unsuspecting candidates, thereby causing financial loss and emotional distress to many.”
“Despite our consistent efforts to educate the public through various media outlets, we regret to inform members of the public that numerous individuals have already fallen prey to these deceitful practices. The brazen nature of these scams is alarming, with some impostors even openly soliciting applicants to attend fake selection exercises.”
Khanyezi said ZPCS categorically asserts that it does not charge any fees for recruitment, selection or training. All recruitment activities are conducted directly by the ZPCS without imposing any costs on candidates and we do not engage any third parties in the official recruitment processes.
“We therefore wish to reiterate that all authentic ZPCS recruitment initiatives are publicly announced via established mainstream print and electronic media outlets. Interested applicants are required to respond with written applications, and selections are conducted at designated ZPCS centres across all provinces.”
“In response to this growing threat, we strongly urge the public to independently verify the authenticity of any recruitment advertisements. Citizens should consult the nearest ZPCS offices to confirm the legitimacy of any calls for applications to join the ZPCS.”
“Let there be no doubt, we are committed to protecting job seekers from these criminal activities and we need everyone’s help to combat these atrocities.”
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the ZPCS Police or the ZPCS Complaints Desk using the contact details provided in the official press release.
These contacts include the Director Police, Chief Superintendent N. Mukombachoto, at (024) 2771241, or the ZPCS Complaints Desk at (024) 2762724. Additionally, Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi can be reached at 0714239142.
“The ZPCS urges citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious recruitment activities, as these scams frequently target vulnerable job seekers.
“In conclusion, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service is committed to protecting job seekers from fraudulent recruitment scams. With your help and cooperation, we can safeguard our community from these predatory practices.”
Zim GBC News ©2024