According to SAFERjobs, an organisation set up by the Metropolitan Police, online job fraud affects thousands of people in the UK each year. These scams cost the victims on average £4,000. To help combat job scams in the UK, The Difference Engine are working with SAFERjobs to help give you the advice you need to avoid these scams.
To stay safe in your job search we recommend that you visit SAFERjobs, a non-profit, joint industry and law enforcement organisation working to combat job scams. Visit the SAFERjobs website (https://www.safer-jobs.com/) for information on common scams and to get free, expert advice for a safer job search.
Often found on the internet, among regular job listings, fake jobs are often advertised as the 'dream opportunity', with high six-figure starting salaries that require few skills, qualifications or experience. These job scams can take many different forms, including:
They require you to pay a fee in advance
Many fraudsters will ask candidates to pay a lot of money for services such as writing their CV, obtaining role-specific training or qualifications or carrying out security checks. They will often take this money and then not deliver as promised, leaving candidates out of pocket.
Premium-rate calls
Fraudsters will arrange interviews that require candidates to pay premium rate numbers and then keep them on hold for long periods of time. These calls can sometimes cost the victim hundreds of pounds.
Salary Payment scams
Fraudsters may ask candidates for bank details so that they can set up salary payments and then steal money directly from their account.
Report to Action Fraud
The UK has a national fraud reporting centre called Action Fraud, operated by the police. Visit the website to report suspected fraud so that the police are able to investigate and action.
E-mail scams
If you've received a spam e-mail, report it to the Internet Service Provider that was used (i.e. Gmail or Hotmail). Once reported, the Internet Service Provider can look into the issue and close the account
Premium Rate phone scams
The Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) are the official UK regulator for goods, services and content charged to a phone bill. Visit their website to report any premium-rate call scams.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice are available to offer advice if you suspect you have been the victim of a scam. They may be able to help take criminal action against fraudsters by passing information you provide to Trading Standards. Visit the website for more information.
Local Police
If you have been the victim of a scam, consider speaking to your local police station. Scams are a criminal offence and any information you are able to provide to the police may help them catch and take action against fraudsters.
theDIFFERENCE ENGINE are an APSCO accredited member. As a member we subscribe to a strict code of conduct and have passed an external APSCO quality audit with end clients and candidates that have independently vouched for our capability in the technology recruitment space. All APSCO members have a commitment to excellence.
If you're looking for that new IT job, or need staff to grow your current team, get in touch with us on 0203 302 5251 today to see how we can help.
