Last week, WERK’s CEO, Madam Sophia Yiega, experienced an unsettling incident involving a scammer who attempted to exploit WERK’s reputation for personal gain. The caller initially reached out, requesting Madam Sophia to recommend a member of her team for a supposed position with their organization. Under the guise of needing qualified personnel in the field of research, the individual went on to request further recommendations of professionals for an upcoming field project.
In good faith, and recognizing WERK’s commitment to research and community development, Madam Sophia provided names of credible individuals, including former collaborators. However, what initially appeared as a genuine professional engagement soon revealed its fraudulent intent. Reports emerged that these supposed recruiters were demanding payment from the recommended individuals to conduct interviews—a clear red flag of a scam.
When Madam Sophia attempted to contact the individuals to address these concerning allegations, her calls went unanswered, confirming suspicions of deceit.
Public Awareness and Call to Action
WERK wishes to caution its stakeholders, partners, and the public about this incident. Here are steps to protect yourself from similar scams:
- Verification First: Always verify the legitimacy of an organization or recruiter by cross-checking contact details and references on official channels.
- No Payment for Interviews: Genuine organizations do not charge applicants for interviews or job placements.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter such fraudulent requests, report them to local authorities or relevant professional bodies.
- Contact WERK Directly: If you receive communication claiming association with WERK, confirm its validity by reaching out to us via our official channels.
WERK’s Commitment
We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all our engagements. This incident is a reminder of the importance of vigilance against scammers exploiting reputable institutions. We are taking steps to address this matter and ensure our network remains informed and protected.
For further inquiries or to report suspicious activities, please email info@werk.co.ke or call our office directly. Together, let us stay alert and safeguard the trust we’ve built over the years.
This message is intended to inform and protect our community. Share widely to raise awareness and keep everyone safe.