You see a post on Facebook with Eskom's logo, advertising learnerships with a R12,000/month stipend. The post looks official. It says "limited spots available" and includes a WhatsApp number to apply. You screenshot it and send it to your cousin.
Eskom is one of the biggest employers in the country, and a learnership there could genuinely change your life. That's exactly why scammers use Eskom's name. They know how badly people want it to be real.
That Facebook post is a scam. Eskom does not recruit through WhatsApp, does not charge fees, and has published official fraud alerts warning the public about exactly these kinds of fake adverts.
How Fake Eskom Job Scams Work
The scam follows a predictable pattern. A post appears on Facebook, WhatsApp, or sometimes even on community notice boards. It uses Eskom's logo and official-sounding language. The "vacancy" promises good money and asks for matric or N3 as the only requirement.
When you respond, you're directed to a WhatsApp number. The person on the other end sounds professional. They tell you the position is filling up fast and you need to pay a "registration fee" or "application processing fee" of R200 to R500. Some ask for even more, calling it a "medical exam deposit" or "security clearance fee."
Once you pay, one of two things happens. Either they disappear immediately, or they string you along with fake reference numbers and promises of a start date that never comes. Some scammers even send forged offer letters to make you feel safe about paying more.
There are several versions of this scam circulating right now.
Fake learnership posts are the most common. They advertise stipends of R8,000 to R15,000/month on Facebook and WhatsApp groups, using Eskom's logo and official formatting to look convincing.
Fake Eskom websites take it further. Scammers create sites with domains like eskom-careers.co.za, eskomjobs.com, or eskom-recruitment.co.za. These sites collect your personal information and sometimes charge application fees. The only legitimate Eskom domains are eskom.co.za (main website) and eskomcareers.ci.hr (careers portal).
WhatsApp "insiders" claim to be Eskom HR reps or people with connections who can guarantee you a position for a fee. They may send convincing-looking appointment documents that are completely forged.
Fake artisan programmes target people with technical skills, advertising positions at specific power stations. They charge "medical exam fees" or "security clearance fees" before you can "start."
Red Flags for Fake Eskom Offers
- The listing is on Facebook or WhatsApp, not on eskomcareers.ci.hr.
- You're asked to pay any amount of money. Eskom never charges applicants.
- The contact email isn't an @eskom.co.za address. Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook addresses are fake.
- The website domain doesn't match eskom.co.za or eskomcareers.ci.hr.
- Someone on WhatsApp claims to be an Eskom recruiter. Eskom does not recruit via WhatsApp.
- You're promised a guaranteed job before any interview or assessment.
- The post says "limited spots" or "apply now before it closes" to pressure you into acting fast.
How Eskom Actually Recruits
Every legitimate Eskom vacancy and learnership is posted on one place: their official careers portal at eskomcareers.ci.hr. Yes, the URL looks unusual because Eskom uses an external HR platform called CI HR to manage recruitment. But this is where Eskom's own website redirects you when you click on "Careers."
The real process works like this: positions are advertised on the careers portal with specific requirements and closing dates. You apply online through the portal itself. If you're shortlisted, Eskom contacts you from an @eskom.co.za email address. Interviews happen at Eskom offices or via video call. At no point does anyone ask you for money.
Eskom itself has published a fraud alert stating clearly: "Eskom does not charge any fees during the recruitment process."
How to Verify an Eskom Job Offer
- Go to the careers portal. Visit eskomcareers.ci.hr and search for the position. If it's not listed there, it does not exist.
- Check the sender's email address. Legitimate Eskom emails come from @eskom.co.za only. Anything else is fake.
- Call Eskom directly. Phone 0860 037 566 (Eskom customer care) and ask them to confirm whether the vacancy is real.
- Check the website domain. If the URL isn't eskom.co.za or eskomcareers.ci.hr, don't enter any personal information.
If You've Already Paid
You're not the first person this has happened to, and you won't be the last. Scammers are good at what they do. Here's what to do now.
Report the fraud to Eskom's dedicated fraud line at 0800 112 722. They track these scams and your report helps them warn others. File a case at your nearest SAPS station and keep the case number. If you paid via bank transfer, call your bank immediately and ask about possible recovery. Screenshot every message, payment confirmation, and fake document you received. You'll need these for both the SAPS case and any bank investigation.
If you shared your ID number or other personal documents, contact SABRIC to flag your identity for fraud monitoring.
Read our full guide on reporting job scams.
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