Scam Checker — Verify Before You Apply or Pay
If something feels too good to be true in South Africa — it usually is.
Every day, South Africans lose money to fake job offers, fake bursaries, fake government grants, and fake business opportunities. Our Scam Checker page helps you identify, verify, and report scams before you become a victim.
The Golden Rule
No legitimate employer, government department, bursary provider, or funding institution will ever ask you to pay money to apply. Ever. Full stop.
If anyone asks you to pay — stop, do not pay, and contact us immediately.
How to Verify a Job Offer
Before accepting or paying anything for a job:
✅ Is the company registered on CIPC? Check at eservices.cipc.co.za
✅ Is the job advertised on an official platform — PNet, Indeed, or the company website?
✅ Does the company have a verifiable physical address and landline number?
✅ Were you interviewed professionally — not just via WhatsApp?
✅ Are you being asked to pay anything at any stage?
Read the Full Job Scams Guide →
How to Verify a Bursary or Grant
Before submitting documents or paying anything:
✅ Is the bursary listed on an official SETA or government website?
✅ Does the organisation have a verifiable registration number?
✅ Are you being asked to pay an application fee? (Always a scam)
✅ Did you find this on WhatsApp or an unofficial Facebook page?
Read the Full Bursary Guide →
Read the Full SASSA Grants Guide →
Common Scams Targeting South Africans Right Now
| Scam Type | How to Spot It |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp Job Scam | Unsolicited message, asks for registration fee |
| Fake Government Grant | Promises SASSA/NSFAS money for payment |
| Fake Bursary | Asks for application fee, no official website |
| Loan Shark / Mashonisa | No NCR registration, illegal interest rates |
| Work From Home Scam | Asks for starter kit payment |
| Pyramid Scheme | Earn by recruiting, not by selling |
Not Sure? Ask Macdee Directly
Send us the job offer, bursary advertisement, or opportunity details via WhatsApp and we will verify it for you — for free.
Report a Scam
If you have been scammed or found a scam targeting South Africans:
- SAPS: Your nearest police station
- NCR (loan scams): ncr.org.za | 0860 627 627
- SABRIC (banking fraud): sabric.co.za
- ApplyOnlineSA: WhatsApp us to help warn others →
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