Fact-Check: UNICEF is not recruiting through shtnar.com website
Claim: A viral WhatsApp message that has been circulating claims UNICEF is recruiting.
VERDICT: FALSE
The message making the claim contains the link http://archive.today/2023.04.15-110154/. https://unicef-recruitment.offernow.online/, which directs to the UNICEF-impersonated page
The site, which appears as https://unicef-recruitment.offernow.online/, also attempts to impersonate UNICEF’s original website.
The impostor website asks users to fill in personal information as part of the recruitment process.
The information required on the ‘Application Form’ includes the user’s name, phone number, email, country, and state.
Then, click "Apply," which takes the user to the next page, where the user has to click on "continue," stating that his or her application to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is now on the process, and then it takes the user to another page where the user is required to validate their names and state the level of education, and then "Send."
It will then congratulate the user, adding that it should send the link to five groups or 15 people on WhatsApp to receive a confirmation email.
This sequence is consistent with phishing scams designed to mine personal information.
VERIFICATION:
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) found out that the recruitment exercise was false.
The logo on the original UNICEF is different from that of the imposter; it has the image of two children painted in white inserted into the logo of a sketched globe with two leaf-like images all in white with a blue background. whereas the imposter’s website has all these in blue with a white background.
Also, the slogan of UNICEF on its original website is "for every child," but the imposter’s website has the slogan "unite for children."
The WHOIS information of the imposter website shows that it was registered on July 1, 2022, and updated on April 20, 2023, in Iceland, and is identified as ‘Namecheap’.
On the other hand, the WHOIS information of UNICEF’s legitimate website shows that it was registered on March 10, 1993, in New York, United States of America. Legitimate domains are usually older than impostor domains.
NAN also found out that UNICEF had issued a disclaimer on its website warning against the activities of fraudsters, which reads:
“UNICEF only advertises its employment opportunities on its global Careers website and the Vacancies page, or on the websites of its National Committees."
“UNICEF also utilizes bona fide and established media, such as newspapers, as well as online professional platforms (e.g., LinkedIn) and job boards, to disseminate its vacancies. All job offers are made by UNICEF human resources personnel following a competitive process.
“Beware if an offer of employment looks too good to be true (see below for an example of fraud). Never divulge personal or banking information or send money if you are unsure of the authenticity of an email or other communication in the name of UNICEF.
“Financial loss and identity theft could result from the sending of money or personal information to those issuing such fraudulent correspondence."
“If you fall victim to fraud, it is recommended that you immediately contact local law enforcement authorities. "If you wish to report any potential fraudulent activities related to UNICEF, please contact UNICEF’s Office of Internal Audit and Investigations,” the statement read in part.
VERDICT: NAN found that the claim being circulated on WhatsApp about UNICEF recruitment is false.
