PROJECT: FAKE JOBS & SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS TARGETING SOUTH AFRICAN YOUTH

Isabel Spies
Aug 27
5 min read

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Specialised Security Services is alerting the public to a dangerous new wave of sophisticated scams targeting

young South Africans, particularly women, with fake job and scholarship offers abroad.

Mr. Mike Bolhuis, a specialist investigator in severe violent crime, economic crime, and cybercrime,

urges extreme caution, emphasising that these schemes are not mere cons but are linked to severe criminal activities,

including potential human trafficking.

HOW THE "DREAM JOB ABROAD" SCAM WORKS:

The targeted audience sees a glamorous advertisement on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook from a trusted influencer or a professional-looking recruitment page.
The influencer/recruitment team promote an incredible international opportunity offering high salaries, free flights, luxury accommodation, and language training.
The process seems legitimate, with contracts and promises of a better life.
However, these offers are often fronts for criminal enterprises.
Once you accept and travel, you may find yourself trapped in a foreign country.
Your passport is confiscated, and you are forced to work under terrible conditions, often in online scam call centres or even in facilities linked to military production.
You become a victim of human trafficking.
REAL CASE EXAMPLE: THE "ALABUGA START" SCANDAL
- THE HOOK:
  - Influencers like Cyan Boujee are promoting a "life-changing" programme in Russia.
- THE BAIT:
  - Promises of high-paying jobs, free travel, and housing in Tatarstan, Russia.
- THE TRAP:
  - Investigations by Bloomberg and others have linked such programmes to factories producing military drones and scam operations.
- THE RESULT:
  - Young South Africans risk being trafficked, exploited, and trapped in a foreign country with no way home, echoing recent rescues from scam factories in Myanmar.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has issued urgent warnings and is investigating these claims for potential human trafficking risks.

SIGNS OF A FAKE JOB OR SCHOLARSHIP SCAM:

"TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE" OFFERS:
- High pay for little work or no experience required.
- Offers of free international flights, luxury housing, and other extravagant perks.
- Pressure to decide and commit quickly.
RECRUITMENT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA:
- Offers that come solely through social media DMs or unverified pages.
- Endorsement by influencers who may have been paid to promote the scheme without due diligence.
LACK OF OFFICIAL VERIFICATION:
- The company or programme is not verified by official government channels or reputable international agencies.
- Vague contract details, lack of a verifiable physical address, or use of personal email addresses (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) for official business.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

VERIFY THROUGH OFFICIAL CHANNELS:
- ALWAYS check a foreign job offer with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) or the embassy of the destination country.
- Do not rely on the recruiter's word.
- Use only registered and reputable recruitment agencies with a verifiable track record.
DO NOT TRUST INFLUENCERS BLINDLY:
- An influencer's post is not an official endorsement.
- They may be paid to promote content without checking its legitimacy.
- Your safety is your responsibility.
RESEARCH EXTENSIVELY:
- Google the company name + "scam."
- Check for reviews and news articles.
- Be wary of an agency that asks for large upfront fees for visas or processing.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU COME ACROSS THIS SCAM:

DO NOT APPLY OR SHARE PERSONAL DETAILS.
REPORT THE PROFILE/POST immediately to the social media platform (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok).
SCREENSHOT ALL EVIDENCE: conversations, recruiter details, links, and promises made.
REPORT THE DETAILS: Provide the information to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS ALREADY INVOLVED:

(NOTE! THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK OFFICIAL HELP IMMEDIATELY)

CONTACT DIRCO’S CONSULAR DIVISION immediately at +27 12 351 1000 or the nearest South African Embassy/Consulate.
REPORT THE CRIME to the SAPS and get a case number.
WARN OTHERS by sharing your experience (anonymously if needed) to prevent them from falling into the same trap.

Trafficking and scam operations are real and happening now.

With awareness and rigorous verification, you can protect yourself and your loved ones

from modern-day slavery disguised as opportunity.

Do not let desperation for a job override your common sense.

Verify, then trust.

RELEVANT NEWS ARTICLES:

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv