Big Web Media has become the latest company to be exploited by scammers running a WhatsApp job recruitment fraud.
Like others before it, the web design and SEO company has been forced to issue a public warning after fraudsters hijacked its name to lure unsuspecting job seekers into a scheme designed to extract personal information and money.
A notice published on Big Web Media’s website (bigwebmedia.co.za) warns that scammers, including individuals using the name “Nia,” are impersonating HR assistants and falsely offering part-time or full-time freelance jobs. The company has confirmed that it does not recruit via WhatsApp, nor has it sent out any such messages.
While the company has swiftly acted to notify the public, the reality is that once scammers latch onto a brand name, the damage is difficult to contain.
Fraudsters thrive on credibility by association, and by misusing the name of a legitimate company, they instantly increase their chances of duping unsuspecting victims.
This scam isn’t new, nor is it unique to Big Web Media. Instead, it forms part of an ever-expanding network of fraudulent job recruitment operations, targeting businesses across South Africa.
The Same Old Scam, New Victims
This scam follows the same modus operandi seen in previous cases, including the one involving HelloYes Marketing.
The fraudulent recruiter initiates contact via WhatsApp or Telegram, presenting a work-from-home job opportunity that promises flexible hours and an easy income.
Once the victim expresses interest, they are typically directed to complete small tasks, such as subscribing to YouTube channels or joining WhatsApp groups, with the false promise of payment.
This initial engagement serves two purposes: it builds trust whilst subtly conditioning the victim to follow instructions without questioning legitimacy.
Scammers count on the fact that once someone has followed an initial harmless request, they will be more inclined to comply with subsequent demands—which, crucially, always involve money.
After a few days or even hours of engagement, the fraudsters introduce payment requirements, claiming that applicants must pay a “processing fee,” “training deposit,” or “security fee” before they can start earning.
At this stage, the scam has already transitioned from deception to direct financial exploitation. The moment money is transferred, the scammer vanishes, leaving victims without a job or a refund.
For those who resist paying, scammers often escalate their tactics—claiming that failure to pay will result in losing the “job opportunity” or sending intimidating messages implying that personal information has already been collected.
The pressure is strategic, designed to break down scepticism and push victims towards compliance.
Big Web Media Joins a Growing List of Targets
Big Web Media is not the first to experience this fraudulent recruitment scam, nor will it be the last. Over the past year, multiple South African companies have found their names exploited by scammers using the same tactics.
Some of the most notable victims include:
- HelloYes Marketing – One of the first widely reported cases of this scam.
- BrandHeart Digital Marketing – Another digital marketing agency used as bait for fraudulent job offers.
- Bermont Digital – Victims were asked to pay to “activate” their job accounts.
- R17 Ventures – Scammers used fake HR representatives to extract money from applicants.
- Solucru Digital – Fraudsters promised high-paying remote jobs in exchange for upfront payments.
Additionally, entirely fictitious companies have been created to further the scam, including:
- Rexvier Digital – A completely fabricated company used in recruitment scams.
- Omnistrace – Another fake employer used to steal money from job seekers.
- Pixel Turing – Fraudsters went as far as fabricating offices in prestigious locations.
This ever-growing list of legitimate companies and fictitious brands illustrates the scale of the problem. As soon as awareness is raised around one iteration of the scam, fraudsters simply change company names and repeat the cycle.
The Broader Impact of These Scams
Whilst these scams are frustrating for victims, they are equally damaging for the businesses being impersonated.
Companies like Big Web Media must divert time and resources to damage control, issuing scam warnings, responding to enquiries, and reassuring existing clients that they are not involved.
For small to medium-sized businesses, this type of fraud erodes trust—not only among those directly affected but also among potential customers who see their name associated with scams. It creates an atmosphere of doubt, where even genuine job offers or promotions are met with increased scepticism.
Meanwhile, the economic impact on victims is severe. Many people targeted by these scams are already financially vulnerable, actively seeking income opportunities.
Losing money to fraudsters in this context isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a devastating blow, particularly when savings or borrowed funds are used to pay the scammers.
The Final Verdict
The WhatsApp job scam isn’t going away. As long as there are job seekers looking for legitimate opportunities, scammers will continue to exploit companies’ reputations to give their schemes credibility. Big Web Media is the latest victim, but it certainly won’t be the last.
As always, the golden rule remains: If a job requires you to pay money before you start, it’s a scam. Legitimate companies do not ask applicants for processing fees, deposits, or training costs.
If a recruiter contacts you via WhatsApp with an offer that sounds too good to be true, it’s probably another one of these scams.
Fraudsters will always find ways to reinvent their schemes, but the fundamentals remain unchanged: they rely on deception, urgency, and misplaced trust to separate victims from their money. Recognising the patterns is the best defence.
Block, ignore, and move on. There is no job waiting on the other side—just another fraudster looking for their next victim.
