So you found a learnership ad on Facebook or WhatsApp. It promises a stipend, quick placement, and no qualifications needed — but something feels… off.
Trust your gut.
In this episode, we teach you how to spot fake learnership scams so you don’t waste your time, data, or money chasing empty promises.
⚠️ Why Scammers Target Job Seekers
Scammers know many young South Africans are desperate for work or skills. They use fake opportunities to:
- Steal money through fake “application fees”
- Collect personal info for identity theft
- Get you to attend unsafe “interviews”
You must protect yourself the same way you’d protect your phone or bank card.
🧠 Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here’s how to know something is likely a scam:
🚩 They ask for money upfront
No real learnership will ask for:
- “Registration fees”
- “Interview booking” payments
- “Training kit” costs
If they ask for money, it’s a no!
🚩 No official contact details
Legit companies have a:
- Website
- Company email (not Gmail or Yahoo)
- Physical address you can search
🚩 Poor spelling, grammar, or fake logos
Scammers often copy logos badly or use broken English. Trust your eyes — if it looks fake, it probably is.
🚩 Too-good-to-be-true promises
Examples:
- “Get R6,000/month stipend!”
- “No interview required — just send your ID!”
- “Limited space — send money now!”
Scams create panic to make you act without thinking.
✅ Signs of a Real Learnership
✔️ They don’t charge you
✔️ They use verified platforms like sayouth.mobi, indeed.com, CareerJet
✔️ They ask for standard documents: CV, ID, school report
✔️ They give full company details and proper communication channels
🔐 How to Stay Safe
- Never share your bank pin, ID copy, or location with strangers
- Always Google the company name + “scam” to check reports
- Ask a trusted person to check the ad before you apply
- Report scams on platforms like sayouth.mobi or SAPS cybercrime
✊🏽 Final Word
You deserve opportunities, not exploitation. Don’t let fake promises kill your confidence. Learnerships are real — but so are scams. Protect your dreams by staying sharp.
