Be alert! Fraudulent job advertisements are on the rise!

This time of year is acknowledged in the recruitment industry as prime time for job searching, but unfortunately this means peak opportunity for scammers to exploit potential job seekers.

A recent press release from the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) has alerted jobseekers for some of the signs they need to look for when applying for new job role. Working with Jobs Aware, the DBS have been trying to raise awareness of potential job scams that could lead to people into sharing important information, identity details or even sending money if they believe and have been promised that there is a potential job on the line.

Illegitimate job adverts can potentially leave jobseekers out of pocket and at risk of identity fraud, so raising awareness of the signs to look out for is crucial.

What should potential jobseekers look for? 

1. Poorly written job listings
   Always check to see if the contact details provided are legitimate. Always look for a direct contact or legitimate business address. Always be aware if there is no contact linked within the job advert.
2. Suspicious contact or no contact details
   Always check to see if the contact details provided are legitimate. Always look for a direct contact or legitimate business address. Always be aware if there is no contact linked within the job advert.

2. Unusual Salaries
   Does the listed wage align with the job? On occasion, job scams will use unrealistic salaries to encourage jobseekers to apply and share their details.
3. Being given the job without an interview
   Once a potential job applicant had applied for a job, if they are offered the role without meeting a member of the company hiring, this is an immediate red flag.
4. Asking you for money
   If any job asks for your bank details or asks to send you money before starting the job, immediately withdraw! Even if they state that the money is needed for training, uniform or even DBS checks, these are things that in most cases are provided by the employer.
5. Illegitimate company
   If a company name, email, or domain doesn’t seem to be true, or if you have any concerns whatsoever always investigate the company further. There are many resources online to research into any company to ensure they are legitimate. For example, Companies House is a great tool.
6. UK Domain
   Unless you are specifically applying for a job that you know if outside of the UK; if the domain is outside of the UK, always research into who the company are to ensure they are legitimate and if there is a genuine reason why they are based outside of the UK.

Dr Suzanne Smith, the Barring and Safeguarding Director from the DBS, said:

“Often people can be keen in their pursuit of what might seem to be the perfect job on the surface, leaving themselves vulnerable to scams.”

The number of people finding themselves receiving a fake job offer has been on the rise. In the US, they have noted that jobs scams have quadrupled. From 25798 in Q2 2020, to 97779 in Q3 2022. In the UK, JobsAware has published that is saw a 35% year-on-year increase in reports of job scams in Q3 2022, with figures in early 2023 already exceeding the end of 2022.

What is causing the increase in job seekers falling victim to these scams?

The cost-of-living crisis has sparked an increase in the number of people actively looking for more paid opportunities. One internet service provider has quoted that there has been a 219% increase in online searches to make ‘extra money’.

With remote and hybrid working also becoming the norm since the pandemic, a lot of hiring and checks are being done virtually, making it increasingly easy for job scams to fool potential job seekers.

Why are we talking about this today?

 CBS are providers of DBS checks, employment screening and much more. We wouldn’t be doing our part if we didn’t warn potential jobseekers of the risks when looking for new work.

If you would like to speak to us about the risks in employment or speak to us about the services we offer, give us a call today on 01443 799000, or email us at info@cbscreening.co.uk