The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Kenya has been compelled to issue a strong warning against the activities of an individual fraudulently offering placements in the Public Service Internship Program (PSIP). The PSC has identified and publicly denounced Joseph Tabut, who has been using a fake identity to dupe unsuspecting applicants into believing they can secure favorable positions through bribery or other illicit means. The exposure of this scam highlights the increasing sophistication of fraudsters preying on vulnerable job seekers and underscores the need for vigilance among the public.
The Fraudulent Scheme
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the PSC cautioned against the activities of Joseph Tabut, who has been contacting individuals using the phone number 0725 918218. Tabut’s modus operandi involves falsely presenting himself as an official of the PSC, promising favorable placements within the PSIP in exchange for payments or personal information. The statement from the PSC emphasized that there is no employee by the name of Joseph Tabut affiliated with the commission, reinforcing the notion that this individual is a scam artist.
“The Public Service Commission does not have any employee by that name, and we strongly advise applicants not to engage with him,” said the PSC in a public statement. “Joseph Tabut is likely a fraudster, and we urge the public to treat him with the skepticism he deserves.”
PSC’s Assurance and Precautions
The PSC’s statement also highlighted the organization’s commitment to integrity and transparency in its recruitment processes. The commission reiterated that it does not engage in bribery, favoritism, or other illicit practices when offering internship placements or employment opportunities. This assurance is crucial in a context where young Kenyans are often desperate for employment and are susceptible to fraudulent schemes.
“Applicants should be cautious and vigilant when approached by individuals claiming to offer internship placements,” said the PSC. “We advise all Kenyans to verify the authenticity of any information through official PSC channels, including our Call Centre (+254 20 4865000) and our social media platforms.”
The commission has also urged victims of such scams to report these fraudulent activities to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). This call to action reflects a broader concern about the growing trend of scammers targeting job seekers through fake government offers. By reporting these incidents, the PSC aims to curb the activities of these fraudsters and protect the integrity of the recruitment process.
The Need for Public Vigilance
The increasing prevalence of such schemes underscores the importance of public vigilance, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. As more young people seek opportunities through government programs like PSIP, the potential for exploitation by fraudsters grows. The PSC’s warning serves as a timely reminder for applicants to be cautious and verify any communications claiming to offer jobs or internships through official channels.
“We urge all Kenyans to remain skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those that ask for payment or other personal information,” said the PSC. “Scammers often use urgency and deception to manipulate people, and by reporting such activities, the public can help prevent more individuals from falling victim to these scams.”
Preventing Future Scams
To prevent future scams, the PSC is also working on strengthening its communication channels to ensure that applicants receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding the PSIP. The commission plans to conduct regular public awareness campaigns to educate applicants about the legitimate recruitment process and how to identify potential scams.
“By enhancing our outreach efforts and making information more accessible, we hope to reduce the risk of applicants falling prey to such fraudulent activities,” said the PSC. “We also encourage institutions to collaborate with us in disseminating information to their students and members.”
As the PSC continues to work on measures to protect job seekers from these scams, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and vigilant. This case of fraud serves as a cautionary tale for those looking for government opportunities, urging them to rely on official channels and ignore any unauthorized contacts. In an era where online scams are increasingly common, safeguarding personal information and confirming the authenticity of job offers has never been more important.
The PSC’s warning highlights the need for collective effort in combatting fraudulent schemes in public service recruitment. By reporting suspicious activities and remaining cautious, Kenyans can help protect their futures and the integrity of government programs like PSIP.
