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Jobs at World Health Organization? No, message and website a scam

“Job at World Health Organization. Help us fight Coronavirus by working from home,” reads a message doing the rounds on Facebook and WhatsApp.

“No experience required. It is a SMS sending job. Work 2-3 hours on mobile and earn $5-$100 daily.”

It includes a link to a website where people can supposedly apply.

The application process has a number of steps. First, you have to give your name and surname. Step two asks for your contact details and step three requires you to indicate the type of work you prefer, whether you are home- or office-based, and your work experience.

The next step tells you to share the job offer on WhatsApp: “Share this news with your friends so they can also get this job offer. You need to share with at least 14 WhatsApp friends or groups to get this job offer.”

The World Health Organization is responsible for coordinating the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Is it really offering these jobs?



‘Scammers taking advantage of coronavirus’


The WHO’s Uganda office has warned that the message is fake.  

“We’ve noticed a fake job advert making rounds on social media. We request the general public to disregard it because it’s fake. All job opportunities at WHO are posted on who.int,” WHO Uganda said on Facebook on 12 June 2020. The post includes a screenshot of the message.

And another warning, on the WHO’s website, advises people to “beware of criminals” pretending to represent the organisation.

“Hackers and cyber scammers are taking advantage of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic by sending fraudulent email and WhatsApp messages that attempt to trick you into clicking on malicious links or opening attachments,” it reads.

“These actions can reveal your user name and password, which can be used to steal money or sensitive information.” – Dancan Bwire




 

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