IN SHORT: A Facebook job ad claiming that the two oil and gas companies are hiring for various positions in Kenya is likely a scam. The ad directs applicants to a WhatsApp number that has previously been linked to fraudulent job postings.
A job ad on Facebook claims that oil and gas companies Shell Kenya and Oil Libya are recruiting for various positions at their service stations across Kenya.
The vacancies listed include forecourt attendants, drivers, engineers, receptionists, secretaries, accountants, supervisors and fleet mechanics, with salaries allegedly starting at KSh29,500 (about US$225).
Interested applicants are instructed to “WhatsApp call 0703808913 starting with the SHELL.”
Shell is a global energy and petrochemical company based in London. While Shell no longer directly operates petrol stations in Kenya, its branding can still be seen in some parts of the country.
Oil Libya rebranded to OLA Energy in 2019 and operates more than 1,200 stations in 17 African countries, including Kenya.
The job ad also appears here and here. (Note: See more instances listed at the end of this report.)
But is the ad legit? We checked.
Signs of a scam
There are several red flags that this job ad may be a scam. The instruction to apply via WhatsApp is unusual and unclear.
In addition, the same phone number was linked to a previous scam job ad on Facebook. In that instance, the number requested personal information and directed applicants to a location in Nairobi that had nothing to do with the company offering the jobs.
Further investigation revealed that these jobs are not advertised on the careers section of Vivo Energy’s website or OLA Energy Kenya’s website and LinkedIn profile. This lack of official listing is another indication that the job advertisement may not be legitimate.
Potential job seekers should be cautious and check official company websites or trusted job boards for legitimate opportunities.
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