COVID-19 TERS fraud hotline launched

If you are aware of fraud, especially related to the distribution of monies to help workers through the worst effects of lockdown, now is your chance to blow the whistle and help bring fraudsters to book.

This was an invitation sent by Acting Commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Marsha Bronkhorst, during the launch of fraud hotline platforms for clients and citizens to report all suspicious criminal activity related to the COVID-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (COVID-19 TERS) and any other UIF fraud- related matters.

Launched recently, the platforms are already up and running, and people can report anonymously, in line with the Protected Disclosure Act.

Bronkhorst said that since the inception of COVID-19 TERS, the fund has received large amounts of fraud allegations and complaints from clients and companies.

“I am therefore, urging anyone with information regarding any COVID-19 TERS fraud or any other UIF fraud-related matter to report this to us without any delay. Whistle-blowers are encouraged to provide as much details as possible, such as the UIF reference number of the company, address, ID numbers concerned and contact details when reporting," said Bronkhorst.

She added that each case will be treated on its own merits and the turnaround time to finalise the allegation would vary depending on the complexity of the matter. SAnews.gov.za

The reporting platforms are available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year and in all 11 official languages. Clients can use the following platforms to report COVID-19 TERS related fraud: Toll free number  0800 212 799 or SMS call-back to 30916 or  email uif@thehotline.co.za. For other UIF enquiries, clients can still contact the call centre on  080 003 0007 or visit their  nearest labour centre