It happened during the hard times of Covid-19 in 2020, where the ‘ever-talked about’ Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Covid-19 Relief Benefit were allocated to companies as a wage support for companies who were unable to pay salaries to employees as a result of the lockdown period.
It was during these crunchy times where several companies saw the opportunity to loot funds meant for their employees.
Despite companies who dodged the legal route to compensate their employees, some fraudulent companies created ghost workers and claimed for the UIF funds.
According to Scopa’s findings through an oversight to the UIF, it was discovered that these companies used credentials of jobseekers to make claims.
It seems as history is repeating itself once again this year, as there are numerous reports emerging that various companies are using online platforms to advertise fake job vacancies in bid to have confidential details of jobseekers to claim for UIF.
Applicants are urged to exercise with caution when applying for jobs during these desperate times.
The department of labour has pleaded with jobseekers to constantly check on the department’s online portal at https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/uif/ or to visit nearest branches to check their employment status.
You may also be interested in:
Case postponed: Ex-HR manager busted for alleged ‘ghost workers’ fraud, out on R5 000 bail
Ex-employee at Fezile Dabi education district busted for creating ‘ghost workers’
Counting costs: KZN floods wiped R7bn from companies, over 30 000 people lost their jobs
Duo arrested for defrauding Sibanye-Stillwater R800k
Female cop busted for defrauding insurance company with false claim
Hawks probe secures R18 million forfeiture order against four illicit companies!
Education MEC Tate Makgoe calls on learners, teachers to take caution as heavy rains wreak havoc in Qwa Qwa
Social Development MEC Mamiki Qabathe tests positive for Covid-19
