Teachers warned of ‘scammers’ as they resume for the 2024 academic year this week

Educated Papua New Guineans turning to cash bribery are falling victims to scammers.

That’s what is happening to hundreds of teachers.

Teachers Service Commission [TSC] chairman Samson Wangihomie warned teachers not to pay cash to fast track their outstanding salaries.

Speaking before hundreds of teachers in Port Moresby at dedication service on Monday, Mr Wangihomie said scammers are prying on unsuspecting teachers on Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

Mr Wangihomie further revealed that “there are some teachers who are also involved in this scam” and confirmed the suspension of a teacher in 2023 who had defrauded another teacher.

Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra sounded the message of free service to the teachers also.

“Chairman of TSC mentioned about scammers, we in the department of education and ministry of education provide our services free of charge, there should be no one charging you fees or services.”

He appealed to teachers to “report the scammer” but admits teachers many times decline to give names of scammers because both parties have “an agreement on the side”.