Govermate logoGovermate
Back to opportunities
DocumentClosedmedia statement

Department warns against fake job scams linked to human trafficking

GCIS / SAnewsRef: GOVNEWS-83240 at https://www.sanews.gov.za

Official source

Source domain: sanews.gov.za

Collected on 31 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 31 July 2026)Official source

What this means

The Department of Social Development (DSD) issued a warning to South Africans—especially young people—about fake online job offers that are being used by human trafficking syndicates. The warning coincides with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July) under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam,” and describes cases where victims who accepted jobs in Thailand were allegedly transported across the Thailand–Myanmar border and forced to work in scam compounds. The DSD says victims have been rescued and repatriated since 2024 through coordinated efforts with DIRCO, SAPS, DPCI, the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs, and civil society, and it urges people to verify overseas employment opportunities and report suspected trafficking to SAPS or the GBV Command Centre.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

reporting hotlineOngoing

Report suspected human trafficking or exploitation (SAPS 10111 / GBV Command Centre)

If you suspect human trafficking or exploitation, you can report it by calling SAPS on 10111 or contacting the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

Who it is for
Anyone who suspects human trafficking or exploitation
How to act on it
Call SAPS on 10111 or contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.
Show the line this came from
Anyone who suspects human trafficking or exploitation is urged to report it to SAPS by calling 10111 or contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

Facts

Reference

GOVNEWS-83240 at https://www.sanews.gov.za

Key Takeaways

  • Issuing department: Department of Social Development (DSD)
  • Warning date: Friday, 31 July 2026
  • World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: 30 July
  • Theme: “Trapped Behind the Scam”
  • Target group: South Africans, particularly young people
  • Risk: fake online job offers used to lure victims into human trafficking
  • Alleged recruitment destination: Thailand
  • Alleged trafficking route: Thailand–Myanmar border
  • Alleged forced work: scam compounds conducting cyber-enabled financial crimes
  • Rescues/repatriations: since 2024
  • Coordinating bodies: DIRCO, SAPS, DPCI, Border Management Authority, Department of Home Affairs, civil society
  • Support on return: psychosocial support, family reunification, reintegration services
  • Typical lure: lucrative salaries, free travel, overseas employment
  • Victim conditions described: long working hours, intimidation, violence, debt bondage
  • Additional tactic: forcing victims to recruit friends/family
  • Prevention advice: verify overseas opportunities, research employers/recruitment agencies, consult family, avoid relying only on social media
  • Reporting: SAPS 10111; GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428
  • Department of Social Development (DSD)
  • Buti Kulwane
  • Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
  • South African Police Service (SAPS)
  • Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI)
  • Border Management Authority
  • Department of Home Affairs
  • Gender-Based Violence Command Centre
  • civil society organisations
  • Thailand
  • Myanmar

Dates

Opening Date

31 July 2026

Closing Date

31 July 2026