Online Reporter
The Herald 14 June 1998
UNEMPLOYED job seekers are falling victim to conmen who are setting up bogus employment agencies which demand money up front in order to ensure that an applicant has favourable chances of obtaining employment.
Conventional agencies charge the person looking for new staff, not the job-seekers.
In one such incident, staff of the Zimbabwe Newspapers Harare Branch classified advertisement department have so far intercepted over $5 000 headed for a non-existent employment agency which, early this month, placed an advertisement in The Herald claiming to seek trainee tellers for a reputable bank.
Scores of job seekers have responded to CP Classic Personnel advert by sending in their personal details together with a $50 handling fee; Classified Advertisement manager, Mrs Celia Lloyd, who uncovered the scam after a client had visited her office seeking clarification on the issue, said she feared that a lot more bogus organisations could be using the same tactics to swindle job seekers. Unfortunately, she failed to obtain information on the agency’s operations as the messenger who had come to collect its mail from the mail box sneaked away when she tried to gather information on its whereabouts.
President of the Association of Personnel Consultants Mr Richard Makoni yesterday warned job seekers against falling prey to bogus employment agencies.
They had to be wary of any organisation which demanded money before any business was conducted. Legislation governing employment agencies did not permit such monetary transfers.
The concept of handling fees which the agencies were employing was illegal and any job seeker who received such a request had to immediately cut ties with the agency, he said.
If people had any doubts over the agency they would be dealing with they were free to contact his association or the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Lessons for today:
- High unemployment creates opportunities for scammers to exploit job seekers who are desperate for work. Bogus agencies demand money upfront (e.g., “handling fees, subscription costs or registration fees”), which is illegal and unethical. Legitimate agencies charge employers, not job seekers.
- Job seekers should verify the authenticity of employment agencies before making any payments or sharing personal details. It’s illegal and unethical in most countries. Paying upfront does not guarantee a job, it’s often a scam. It preys on those who can least afford it. It is very important to check their official website, LinkedIn, or government registration.
- The classified advertisement department intercepted $5 000 headed for a fake agency, showing how media can help expose scams.
- Legislation prohibits agencies from charging job seekers, but many people are unaware of this, making education and awareness critical. Associations like the Association of Personnel Consultants and government ministries provide channels for verification, emphasising the importance of using official resources.
