An unemployed man says he was scammed out of R250 when he submitted an online job application for a popular hardware chain store.
Devron Solomons, 22, who’s been sonder werk since January, says he applied for what he believed was a job at Builders Warehouse in Tokai.
“My friend sent me links via WhatsApp and I applied the very same night,” says the Westlake man.
Devron says the link took him to a website, complete with a Builders Warehouse logo and photos of staff in uniform, stating that they are hiring general workers at a salary of R8000 per month.
He sent his CV to the email supplied and received an SMS with instructions to pay a R250 “fee” via PEP Stores to cover the cost of his uniform, a Covid-19 test and a criminal background check.
“I wasn’t opposed to it, because I worked at other places before where I also had to pay for a uniform.
“I had to borrow the money for the job fee from my friend’s mom, and she’s expecting her money back,” says a worried Devron.
After the payment was made, he received a series of SMSes to say his application was approved and that he had an interview at Builders Warehouse in Tokai at 9am on Monday, 10 August.
“When I got there, I saw that I was the only applicant. The admin manager then informed me they’re not hiring and that I was scammed. I was infuriated.”
Devron freelances as a hairstylist and says his mom is the breadwinner in the family of four and cannot cope anymore.
He says there were no contact numbers for the scammers, only two email addresses.
Builder’s Warehouse’s parent company Massbuild’s Communication Manager Elzette van Niekerk said the company has been alerted to the scam.
“Builders is aware of the scam claiming the company is recruiting 120 general workers,” she says.
“We condemn the unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of the vulnerable looking for employment, especially during this difficult time.
“Anyone who has fallen prey to this scam must report it to SAPS.”
Van Niekerk says the company does not charge any fees for job applications and any request for an application fee should be regarded as a red flag.