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Beware the job scammers

Every day there are more media reports about the increase in organised crime and fraudsters exploiting our increased dependency on using internet based services during the Covid crisis.

With an increase in people looking to change career or find a new job following redundancy, job seekers are not immune from fraudsters and are being increasingly targeted by unscrupulous scammers with the lure of fake jobs.

Fraudsters use fake jobs for many reasons; to gain financial reward by tricking job seekers into parting with cash upfront, to steal personal information such as bank or identity details or even to use malware to steal money straight from people’s bank accounts. In the last few months there have been a number of high profile cases in the news including Shell issuing a global warning after fraudsters used their brand logo in an attempt to scam job seekers desperate to find work.

Some recent scammers have even been undertaking virtual interviews over Zoom. People have been finding that the ‘interview’ is only cursory, a job offer is made and the subject quickly turns to requests for some sort of advance payment to secure the role. Subsequent contacts from the company or individuals apply more pressure to send money.  Some companies that have been closed down by the authorities often continue their scam under another name.

What to look for:

Fake job offers tend to have things in common. They:

  • Promise you a job with only a minimal application process
  • Guarantee a generous salary
  • Often say you can work at home
  • Require advance payment for training

Scammers advertise fake jobs:

  • On line
  • In newspapers
  • On signs, posters, and flyers

What to do:

Firstly be aware that there are job scams out there and make sure you properly research any individual or company who seem to be making the recruitment process too easy.  Be suspicious of job adverts with generalised job descriptions and little detail about the company, job or qualifications required.

Don’t make advance payments to secure a job or training; no genuine employer or recruitment agency will ever ask for money up front.

Work with an established and trusted recruitment agency that can demonstrate a proven track record and history.

If you suspect that a job you have been asked to apply for is fake or you would like to know more about how to protect yourself during your job search contact First Base on 01453 755330

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