SA TrustScore: Spot a Scam Before You Apply
Paste any opportunity text (WhatsApp, Facebook, X/Twitter, Telegram, SMS, email—anywhere). You will get a TrustScore and verification guidance.
How to Use “SA TrustScore: Spot a Scam Before You Apply” (Quick Guide)
South Africa has no shortage of real opportunities—but scams are growing fast, especially on WhatsApp, Facebook, X (Twitter), Telegram, and even email. That’s why we created SA TrustScore: Spot a Scam Before You Apply—a simple tool that helps you check if a message looks safe before you submit your personal details or pay any money.
Whether you’re applying for a learnership, internship, bursary, job, EPWP role, or short course, this tool gives you a quick and clear risk check in seconds.
Step 1: Copy the opportunity text
First, open the message you received and copy the full text.
This could be from:
- WhatsApp groups
- Facebook posts and comments
- X (Twitter) posts
- Telegram channels
- SMS messages
- Emails
- Any “forwarded message” from friends
Tip: Try to copy the full message including any links, emails, phone numbers, and payment instructions.
Step 2: Paste the text into SA TrustScore
Go to the SA TrustScore tool page on Edupstairs, then paste the text into the box that says:
“Paste the opportunity text here (from any platform)…”
Step 3: Click “Check TrustScore”
Once your text is pasted, click the button:
Check TrustScore
The tool will scan your message and generate a result.
Step 4: Understand your TrustScore results
SA TrustScore gives you two important things:
1) TrustScore (0–100)
This is the score showing how safe the message looks.
2) Risk level
You will see one of these labels:
- Low Risk (usually safer, but still verify)
- Medium Risk (be careful and confirm before applying)
- High Risk (likely scam—do not proceed)
Step 5: Read “Why this score?” (the most important section)
This section explains the score
For example, it may warn you that:
- The message asks you to pay a fee to apply
- It uses pressure words like “urgent” or “today only”
- It requests sensitive info like ID number or bank details
- It contains suspicious or shortened links like bit.ly
- It looks too good to be true (guaranteed job, no interview, etc.)
This helps you spot scams even if they look professional.
Step 6: Check the link verification results
If the message contains a website link, SA TrustScore will perform basic link checks such as:
- Whether the link is reachable or broken
- Whether it uses HTTPS (secure connection)
- Whether it redirects to a completely different website
This is important because many scams hide their real destination behind “clean-looking” links.
Step 7: Use the “Safe Next Steps” advice
After checking the score, follow the tool’s recommended actions, such as:
- Do not pay any “registration fee” or “processing fee”
- Apply only on official company or government websites
- Never share banking details via messages or DMs
- Verify the opportunity using trusted sources before applying
Step 8: Help others by reporting the message
If you’re sure the message is dangerous or fake, use the buttons:
- Report as Scam
- Report as Legit
This helps build community protection, so future users can see if the same message is being shared as a scam.
Final Reminder: TrustScore is a safety tool, not a guarantee
SA TrustScore is designed to protect you, but always remember:
- Scammers can copy real adverts
- Some real organisations still use informal channels
- The safest rule is: Never pay to apply
Before you submit your personal info, always verify using official platforms.
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