PNG Teachers Warned: Scammers Cashing In On Fake Job Promises

PAPUA New Guinea teachers are being warned to stay clear of scammers targeting them on social media, with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) revealing that fraudsters are cashing in on the promise of jobs.

TSC Acting Chairman Maini Ugaia said newly-graduated teachers and those posted in remote parts of the country were most at risk, with con artists demanding so-called "legal service fees" before promising to secure employment for victims.
Mr Ugaia was quick to set the record straight, stating that neither the TSC nor the Department of Education has ever imposed such charges. According to him, there is no policy, provision or process within either institution that involves a "legal service fee" or any related administrative payment.

Investigations by the Commission have traced much of the fraudulent activity to a Facebook account operating under the name Guina Robin. The account holder has reportedly been posing as a TSC officer, using the platform to lure unsuspecting teachers into handing over money. Mr Ugaia confirmed that no person by that name is on the payroll of either the TSC or the Department of Education.

The Commission has since told teachers to steer away from using Facebook and other social media platforms to handle anything related to their employment. Mr Ugaia pointed out that TSC officers are already based in every province specifically to help teachers with such matters in person.
Anyone with questions about appointments, postings or paperwork has been told to go directly to their provincial education office rather than rely on messages sent online.
Mr Ugaia did not mince words when addressing those behind the scam, telling them to stop the illegal operation immediately. He said the Commission was already working to track down the culprits and that police would eventually catch up with them.
He also called on the wider public and members of the teaching fraternity to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and report any scam attempts, whether to police or directly to the TSC head office.
"There is no such thing as a legal service fee or administrative charge within either the TSC or the Department of Education," Mr Ugaia said.

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