MTN warns against false call centre, job ads

The fraud consists of luring applicants to offices in Johannesburg for 'an assessment', where they are asked to pay a 'placement fee' of between R300 and R800, after a successful 'interview'. After paying the 'placement fee', job seekers are left in the lurch.

"The company is disturbed by the abuse of its brand to mislead job seekers. The brand equity has been created through years of hard work and significant investments and the company will not hesitate to take action against anyone who fraudulently uses its name. We are pleased that two criminal cases are already in the hands of law enforcement agencies," says Themba Nyathi, chief human resources officer, MTN SA.

The crooked agencies are reportedly operating in the Johannesburg CBD and surrounding areas such as Kew, Braamfontein and Marshalltown.

Recruitment process

Nyathi adds that accredited and approved service providers handle its recruitment processes. As a result, he urged job seekers "to treat any other form of recruitment that doesn't follow our normal processes with serious caution."

The company's recruitment process includes the placing of adverts with one of its preferred suppliers. Alternatively, a job advert is placed on www.mtnjobs.co.za. Also, accredited recruitment agencies are not permitted to use the MTN brand, unless otherwise authorised, in their process of advertising the position.

Job seekers should also note that its affiliated recruitment agencies always use their internal screening process that is aligned to the job description received from the company and present a short list of candidates that meet the requirements to the company.

"No costs incurred"

"After the applicants are screened by HR and line management, they receive an invitation for a preliminary interview with a company panel, usually one of its buildings. If successful, they move onto the assessment phase, a second and, potentially final interview, and after the necessary verification checks are done, may receive an offer of employment. It's also important to note that no costs are incurred by the applicant at all, anywhere in the process," concludes Nyathi.

Suspected fraudulent activities or agencies can be reported to +27 (0) 83 200 2169.