The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is warning unemployed and aspiring teachers to be vigilant after a job scam targeting educators resurfaced.

Several schools have recently reported WhatsApp messages falsely claiming that permanent teaching posts are available. The messages allegedly appear to come from district officials or school principals and may use the officials’ names and photographs to appear legitimate.

The WCED says teachers are told they have been selected for a post and are then asked to pay a once-off fee of about R2 800 for the alleged “authorisation of an appointment letter”.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says some teachers have fallen victim, arriving at schools after making the payment, only to discover that no such post exists.

“We are deeply concerned that fraudsters are continuing to target unemployed and aspiring teachers with false promises of job opportunities. We want to be absolutely clear that the WCED never charges any fees for job applications, appointments or appointment letters.”

Hammond reiterated that all permanent teaching posts are advertised through its official recruitment processes, with the online E-Recruitment System being the official platform for applications.

“Any request for payment should be treated as a scam.”

The department previously issued a warning about the scam in December last year.

It is urging anyone who receives a suspicious job offer or payment request to report it to the WCED and SAPS.

“These criminals are exploiting the hopes of young professionals seeking employment and we are committed to protecting educators and maintaining the integrity of our recruitment processes.”