Claim
On 2nd February 2023, an image of a purported job advertisement by the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), the national power utility firm, circulated on several social media and WhatsApp platforms. The advert claimed that ZESCO was recruiting “Call Center Representatives”, and urged interested candidates to electronically apply via email at “humanresourcezesco@gmail.com”. The advert also stated that the deadline for applications was February 8, 2024. This announcement generated both interest and concern from the public, with some followers questioning and seeking clarification on the authenticity of the job advert.
Rating Justification
The iVerify Zambia fact-checking process has determined the purported ZESCO job advert as fake. iVerify Zambia contacted Mr. Caristo Chitamfya, the ZESCO Senior Manager – Corporate Affairs, who confirmed that the advert in question was fake. Mr. Chitamya stated that ZESCO has not issued such an advert and the power utility firm does not have “Call Center Representatives” positions. He urged the public to treat the advert as fraudulent, emphasizing that ZESCO uses its official platforms such as the website to advertise job opportunities in the firm. Mr. Chitamfya further urged the public not to fall for the fake job advert as it is the work of unscrupulous individuals with sinister intentions to deceive and extort money from unsuspecting applicants. Furthermore, ZESCO Limited Board Chairperson, Mr. Vickson N’cube, dismissed the fake job advert in a post on his official Facebook page, stating that ZESCO never uses Gmail addresses.
