Job Scams Are Getting Smarter, Here’s How to Stay Safe.
In a world where landing a job already feels like a full-time job, scams are becoming harder to spot - and easier to fall for.
Table of Contents:
Before the Interview
1. They Ask You to Pay
2. They Only Communicate on WhatsApp (Or Refuse to Call You)
3. They Ask You to Pay for Work Equipment or Shipping
4. The Company Has No Real Presence
5. They Try to Rush You into Saying Yes
Bottom Line
We At CVQuest
If you're job hunting, especially as a first-time or young job seeker, it’s important to know that not every opportunity is what it seems.
Some job listings are designed to take advantage of your hope, your time, and in many cases, your money.
Table of Contents:
Before the Interview
1. They Ask You to Pay
2. They Only Communicate on WhatsApp (Or Refuse to Call You)
3. They Ask You to Pay for Work Equipment or Shipping
4. The Company Has No Real Presence
5. They Try to Rush You into Saying Yes
Bottom Line
We At CVQuest
Before the Interview
We believe the first step in a successful job search is staying informed.
So before you attend that interview, hand over documents, or say yes to an offer, here are the red flags to look out for.
So before you attend that interview, hand over documents, or say yes to an offer, here are the red flags to look out for.
🛑 Before the Interview: Things to Watch Out For
They ask you to pay upfront.
No legitimate company will charge you to apply, book an interview, or “process” your documents.
They only use WhatsApp or refuse to speak directly.
If all communication is via messaging apps and you can't get anyone on the phone - be cautious.
They want you to pay for your own equipment or shipping.
You should never have to pay to start a job.
You can’t find the company online.
No website, no LinkedIn, no reviews? That’s a warning sign.
They try to rush you into a decision.
Pressure to act fast is a major red flag - real jobs give you time to think.
Let’s break these down to help you protect yourself - and your future.
1. They Ask You to Pay
Before Anything Happens
You should never have to pay to get a job interview, be added to a company’s database, or to “secure your spot.”
Scams often ask for small fees (R100–R300) for things like admin costs, interview bookings, or processing documents.
Once you pay, the promises often disappear - along with the company.
If any listing or message asks for money up front, walk away.
2. They Only Communicate on WhatsApp (Or Refuse to Call You)
Scam operations often avoid official communication.
If a company insists on only using WhatsApp, refuses to speak on the phone, or won’t give you a direct number, that’s a red flag.
If a company insists on only using WhatsApp, refuses to speak on the phone, or won’t give you a direct number, that’s a red flag.
Signs to look for:
No phone call - only messaging apps
“We’ll email you” - but never actually do
Replies that are overly generic or copy-pasted
3. They Ask You to Pay for Work Equipment or Shipping
Another growing scam involves companies offering remote work,
but first, they say you need to “buy your own equipment” and that it’ll be reimbursed. In other cases, they charge for shipping of “starter kits.”
but first, they say you need to “buy your own equipment” and that it’ll be reimbursed. In other cases, they charge for shipping of “starter kits.”
If you’re asked to pay before you've signed anything, met a team, or been officially hired - it’s not a real offer.
Remember: Equipment costs are a company’s responsibility, not yours.
4. The Company Has No Real Presence
Before going to an interview, look the company up online. Does it have a real website?
Does the office address exist? Are there reviews, good or bad, that mention them? Do employees have LinkedIn profiles?
Does the office address exist? Are there reviews, good or bad, that mention them? Do employees have LinkedIn profiles?
A company that can’t be found is often a company you don’t want to find out the hard way.
Tip: Do your research - even a quick search can reveal a lot.
5. They Try to Rush You into Saying Yes
Scammers don’t want you to think - they want you to act fast.
They’ll push you to:
Pay a fee immediately to “secure your interview”
Send documents quickly before you “lose your spot”
Accept an offer without time to review it properly
This kind of pressure is designed to stop you from asking questions or doing research.
Take a moment. If you’re being rushed, ask why. A legitimate company will always give you time to decide.
Bottom Line:
Scams are designed to pressure you, confuse you, and catch you off guard.
But when you know what to look for, you take back control.
But when you know what to look for, you take back control.
You have every right to ask questions, take your time, and walk away from anything that doesn’t feel right.
A real opportunity will never ask you to pay, rush, or stay silent.
We At CVQuest
We try our best to remove suspicious or fake job posts from our platform.
While we monitor listings carefully, scams are constantly evolving, and we encourage job seekers to stay alert, informed, and cautious.
While we monitor listings carefully, scams are constantly evolving, and we encourage job seekers to stay alert, informed, and cautious.
If you ever come across a listing that feels suspicious, please let us know by emailing reportbusiness@cvquest.com.
You deserve to job hunt with confidence. Stay safe, stay smart and always ask questions.
