Zimbabwe health ministry exposes WhatsApp job scam

Published: 11 June 2026

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has warned the public against a fraudulent recruitment advertisement circulating on social media that falsely claims to be recruiting trainee dental therapists.

In a statement, the ministry said the advertisement is fake and urged job seekers not to engage with the individuals behind it or submit any personal information.

The fraudulent notice reportedly instructs applicants to send their details via WhatsApp to a mobile number before a purported application deadline of June 10, 2026.

Health authorities said the ministry does not conduct recruitment processes through WhatsApp and emphasised that all employment opportunities are advertised through official channels.

"All official recruitment is announced ONLY through the country's mainstream public print media and the ministry's verified communication platforms," the ministry said.

The ministry stressed that any recruitment notices distributed through unofficial channels should be regarded as fraudulent and intended to deceive members of the public.

"Any communication outside these channels is fraudulent, illegal, and intended to defraud members of the public," the statement said.

Officials warned that individuals who respond to such advertisements risk exposing themselves to fraud, financial loss and identity theft by sharing sensitive personal information with criminals.

"Members of the public are urged to disregard the advertisement and not share personal information, as this is a fraudulent activity and constitutes a criminal offence," the ministry said.

The ministry further encouraged job seekers to verify employment opportunities through official government communication platforms before submitting applications or personal details.

The warning comes amid growing concern over the increasing number of online recruitment scams targeting unemployed people and job seekers through social media platforms and messaging applications.

Fraudsters often impersonate government institutions, companies and reputable organisations in an attempt to obtain personal information, money or other benefits from unsuspecting victims.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious recruitment advertisements to relevant law enforcement agencies and the affected institutions.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care reiterated that legitimate recruitment processes follow established procedures and are communicated through recognised official channels to ensure transparency and protect the public from fraudulent schemes.
- online

Tags: Scam,