A large-scale scam involving fake online recruitment has been uncovered by the Special Cyber Security Division (DSC). A network of individuals posing as company recruiters was exposed after tricking around ten victims, mainly job seekers, according to Seneweb sources.

The suspect group contacted its victims by phone and through professional platforms like LinkedIn, posing as legitimate recruiters. Their strategy involved offering job interviews, either online or in isolated physical locations, raising fears of fraud or even kidnapping.

The fake recruiters offered attractive positions with significant benefits before demanding sensitive documents such as employment certificates, medical certificates, driver's licenses, or proof of residence. In some cases, they also attempted to extort money from their victims.

The case came to light thanks to S.NG., head of the job search platform "Trouver Son Emploi" (Find Your Job). He was contacted by individuals claiming to be recruiters from a clinic called Lamp Fall, requesting CVs of candidates for interviews.

After proposing two candidates, in-person meetings were scheduled in an unsafe area far from Kaolack, immediately raising suspicions. Following the discovery of the scam, the fraudsters changed their strategy, favoring online interviews.

An arrest has been made and investigations are underway.

The report to the DSC enabled the implementation of a scheme which led to the arrest of a suspect identified by the initials DF. The investigations revealed the involvement of several profiles posing as human resources managers or directors of fictitious or usurped companies.

At this stage, more than a dozen victims have been identified, with provisional damages exceeding one million CFA francs. These figures are subject to change, as ongoing investigations may lead to the identification of a larger number of victims.

This case illustrates a rapidly growing form of cybercrime that exploits the vulnerability of job seekers and the credibility of digital platforms. Authorities are urging extreme caution regarding job offers that seem too good to be true, recruiters who refuse to provide verifiable references, or those who demand personal documents before any formal recruitment process.