Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The South African government has issued a strong warning to the public, particularly young people, urging them to be extremely cautious of social media campaigns promoting unverified “jobs” and “study opportunities” in Russia.
According to government agencies, many of these online adverts, often promoted by social media influencers, are not verified, not endorsed, and may be linked to dangerous networks involved in human-trafficking, labour exploitation, and dangerous recruitment schemes.
Authorities indicate that scammers frequently use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to lure victims. They use promises of high-paying jobs, free tuition, or guaranteed visas to attract vulnerable individuals.
However, official investigations have repeatedly shown that these deceptive offers usually lead to victims facing unsafe working conditions, having their passports confiscated, and ultimately being stranded abroad.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has taken the lead in advising citizens. DIRCO has strongly urged the public to verify any foreign job or study opportunity through official government channels before engaging with the promoters or sharing any personal details.
This crucial public alert reminds South Africans to remain vigilant. The public is advised to stay alert, avoid sharing sensitive personal documents, and immediately report any suspicious offers to the authorities.
The core message from the government remains clear: If it looks too good to be true — it probably is.
This warning underscores the critical need for youth safety in the digital age, as transnational scam networks increasingly utilize social media to execute their illicit operations. Citizens are urged to heed the advice and prioritize verification over attractive but false promises.
