How to spot a tender or job scam

Most job scams don't come with a reference number to check at all — so alongside our lookup tool, here's a quick self-check and a set of general tips.

Quick check: does this look like a scam?

Most job and tender scams in South Africa don't have any reference number to look up at all — so if you have a suspicious message in front of you right now, tick whatever applies to get an honest read on how risky it looks.

Asks you to pay a fee (registration, training, medical, uniform, etc.) to apply or be consideredAsks for your ID number, banking password, card details, or a one-time PIN (OTP)Arrived via WhatsApp, SMS, or a social media message rather than an official email or websiteSender uses a free email address (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook) instead of an official organisation domainPressures you to respond or pay within a very short deadlineSalary or terms seem unrealistically good for the role and requirementsHas no reference number you can check, or the reference number can't be found anywhere official

This is a general guide based on common patterns, not a guarantee — a message showing none of these signs can still be a scam, and always deserves independent verification.

Genuine employers and tender bodies never ask you to pay

No legitimate department, SOE, or company charges an application, registration, 'processing', or 'training' fee to apply for a job or bid on a tender. Any request for upfront payment is a scam.

Check the reference number against an official source

Real tenders and public-service jobs have reference numbers you can look up on the issuing organisation's own website — not just in the email or Facebook post you received.

Be wary of urgency and pressure

Scammers create false urgency ('respond within 2 hours or lose the opportunity') to stop you thinking it through or checking elsewhere.

Look closely at the email address and domain

Scammers use addresses that look almost right (e.g. @gov-sa.co.za instead of a real .gov.za domain, or a free Gmail/Yahoo address claiming to be a government department).

Never send your ID, banking details, or OTPs to confirm an application

Legitimate recruitment and tender processes don't need your one-time PIN, internet banking password, or card details at any stage.

Cross-check through a second, independent channel

Call the organisation using a phone number from their official website (not one given in the message) to confirm the vacancy or tender actually exists.

If you've already lost money or shared personal/banking details, report it to your bank immediately, and consider reporting to the South African Police Service.