Image: Namibia Fact Check / WhatsApp
A viral post claiming that TotalEnergies is mass hiring for 2024 has been circulating since January
The WhatsApp post was forwarded to Namibia Fact Check in January 2024 to verify.
The post (image below) reads:
“Apply Now TotalEnergies Recruitment 2024.
Are You Looking For Stimulating Work Environment With International Dimension.
Join The TotalEnergies 2024 Recruitment Now.
Click on the link below to start your Application.
APPLY NOW“
The post contains a web link, which when checked again on 9 April 2024 did not work.
The Application Link
When it was active Google Chrome identified the link on the post as a dangerous site.
The Chrome built-in safety feature warns that there are attackers on the site, and they could trick the visitor into installing compromising software or revealing personal information.
The site was identified as a phishing site and this confirms that this site was set up to trick and obtain personal information.
The link directs the visitor to a webpage (image below) that mimics a TotalEnergies website. The webpage contains a form that requires completion by prospective job seekers. The visitor is asked to provide personal information – title, full name, cellphone number.
The form also asks for the applicant’s email address, the country from which they are applying and, lastly, the work the applicant is applying for.
TotalEnergies Responds
On 8 April 2024, in response to Namibia Fact Checks inquiries about the circulating recruitment post, Willem de Witt, who is the Commercial Manager at TotalEnergies Namibia (Pty)(Ltd), stated briefly that the post did not come from TotalEnergies and was “not factual” and was a “possible scam”.
Based on this, Namibia Fact Check concluded that the post was part of a phishing spam scam.