Fake UK recruitment scam leaves victim US$3,000 poorer

A 40-year-old Bulawayo woman, Buhlebenkosi Ndlovu, is facing fraud charges after allegedly scamming a job seeker out of US$3,000 under the pretense of securing employment in the United Kingdom.

According to state prosecutors, in May 2023, Ndlovu misrepresented herself as a recruitment agent for healthcare jobs in the UK. She allegedly assured the complainant that she could facilitate employment, travel, and accommodation arrangements. Trusting her claims, the complainant transferred US$3,000 to a third party, said to be Ndlovu’s accomplice, who remains at large.

However, the promised job never materialized. After receiving the funds, Ndlovu reportedly disappeared, and the purported recruitment offices were found locked, leaving the victim in distress and financial loss.