Venus Charumbira
Environment and Health Reporter
Criminals are selling fake Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) first aid certificates in a scam described by the organisation as “dangerous.”
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, a humanitarian organisation, works to reduce suffering among vulnerable communities by preventing deaths, injuries, and the impact of disasters, diseases, and public health emergencies.
Over the years, thousands of Zimbabweans have received legitimate first aid training from ZRCS, with many using these qualifications to secure caregiving jobs abroad in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia.
However, investigations reveal that fraudsters are exploiting the ZRCS name by selling counterfeit certificates on the black market. Bulawayo, Hwange, and Harare are among the worst-affected areas.
Social media platforms, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp, have become key channels for these illegal activities. The fake certificates, priced at $120, bear forged details resembling genuine ZRCS documents and are delivered within 24 hours.
The scam poses serious risks, as untrained individuals may endanger patients in hospitals or while working as caregivers overseas.
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society has raised alarm over the rise in fraudulent first aid training and fake certificates issued in its name.
“These counterfeit documents not only mislead the public but also compromise the quality of emergency response skills needed to save lives,” the organisation said.
The surge in such crimes has been linked to Zimbabwe’s high unemployment rate, with desperate individuals seeking quick ways to earn a living or improve their job prospects abroad—regardless of the consequences.
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society has urged the public to enrol only in courses at authorised Red Cross training centres. Employers have also been advised to verify certificates by scanning the QR code on genuine documents or contacting ZRCS offices.
“We urge members of the public and prospective employers to report any suspicious training or certificates to the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society or the nearest police station. Using or accepting fake certificates is dangerous and illegal. Only genuine ZRCS training guarantees internationally recognised first aid skills,” the organisation warned.
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