Teachers warned as fake job offer scam resurfaces in Western Cape

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has issued a fresh warning about a scam targeting unemployed, newly qualified and substitute teachers, following reports that fraudsters are once again using fake job offers to steal money.

The scam, which the department first warned about in December 2025, involves WhatsApp messages sent to teachers claiming that they have been selected for permanent teaching posts.

In some cases, the messages appear convincing because scammers allegedly impersonate district officials or school principals. They may even use the names and photographs of legitimate principals or education officials to make the offers appear authentic.

Teachers are then told that a permanent position has become available and that they are the preferred candidate. The message may instruct them to report to a particular school with documents or contact a supposed WCED official.

But the alleged job offer comes with a catch.

Victims are asked to pay a once-off fee of about R2,800, supposedly for the “authorisation” of an appointment letter at district offices. Banking details are then provided for the payment.

Some teachers have already fallen victim to the scheme, paying the money and arriving at schools expecting to start work, only to discover that the advertised positions do not exist.

The WCED said the scam has caused distress to job seekers and could also damage the reputations of schools, principals and district officials whose identities are being used without permission.

The department stressed that it never charges applicants for teaching posts or appointments.

“Permanent teaching posts are advertised only through the WCED’s Directorate: Recruitment and Selection,” the department said.

It added that Head Office, district offices and schools would never request payment for a job application or appointment.

The WCED said unemployed educators should use its official E-Recruitment System to register and apply for available posts. Temporary appointments, meanwhile, are managed directly by schools, and applicants have been urged to verify any job offer before responding.

The department has called on teachers who have been targeted or scammed to report the incidents to both the WCED and the South African Police Service.

As investigations continue, the department warned job seekers not to allow their desperation for employment to make them easy targets.

The scam, it said, is particularly cruel because it exploits young professionals hoping to begin their careers and turns their dreams of employment into financial losses.