How to spot a tender or job scam
A quick reference while we keep building out full source 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.