False overseas job offers used to traffic South Africans into scam compounds

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has warned that bogus overseas job offers advertised on social media are being used to traffic South Africans into abusive scam compounds. The department says the offers promise attractive salaries, free travel and legitimate work but instead lead victims into forced criminality.

What the DSD says

The DSD told reporters that false overseas job adverts often move victims across the Thailand‑Myanmar border, where they are forced to take part in cyber-enabled financial crimes under abusive conditions. Since 2024, the department said, several groups of South African victims have been rescued and returned home from scam compounds in Myanmar.

How victims are exploited

According to the DSD, traffickers coerce victims into recruiting friends and family, expanding criminal networks.

“They are often coerced into recruiting friends and family, which helps traffickers expand their criminal networks,”

said Buti Kulwane, the DSD’s Trafficking in Persons Manager.

Support and interdepartmental response

The DSD and its partners have provided psychosocial support, family reunification and reintegration services to survivors.

“We work closely with DIRCO, SAPS, DPCI, the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs and civil society organisations to assist survivors,”

DSD spokesperson Sandy Godlwana said.

Warnings and advice

The department urged young people to verify overseas job offers before accepting them and to research employers and recruitment agencies.

“Verify all overseas job opportunities, research employers and recruitment agencies, consult family members and avoid relying solely on information shared on social media,”

Godlwana said.

Prevention priorities

The DSD said it remains committed to preventing trafficking and protecting victims through the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP). Officials plan to strengthen awareness campaigns and coordinate cross-border responses with international partners.

“Prevention, protection, and prosecution remain our priorities,”

the department said.

Community role

The department advised parents, caregivers and educators to discuss online recruitment risks with young people and help raise community awareness.