Fraud is one of the world’s increasingly pervasive problems in today’s digital age, it can affect anyone. The UK government recently released a report which stated that Fraud is by far the most common crime, and it now accounts for over 40% of all offences in England and Wales*. The UK government aims to cut this by 10% by 2025 but until then it is a good idea to be aware of the types of fraud out there and in this instance, we are talking about recruitment scams.
Recruitment scams can take many forms including fake job postings on legitimate job sites, unsolicited job offers via email or social media, or even fake recruitment agencies with convincing websites and social media profiles. The rise of remote work and online job search platforms has made it easier for fraudsters to target unsuspecting job seekers, highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance to avoid falling victim to these scams.
Recruitment scams not only target job seekers; they can also victimize recruitment agencies and larger organizations. These scams involve fraudsters posing as legitimate entities and approaching recruitment agencies, seeking assistance with supposedly “urgent” positions. These “clients” go to great lengths to make their scams appear convincing, such as arranging interviews, conducting briefing calls, and utilizing logos and contact information that closely resemble the companies they are impersonating.
As a recruitment agency, it is crucial to stay vigilant and aware of the aforementioned types of scams. It is important not to rush into any agreements with anyone and do your due diligence to ensure any agreements aren’t fraudulent.
Here are several ways you can be proactive in identifying scams:
- Unrealistic offers: Be cautious of offers that appear too good to be true, for example, upgraded offers or extraordinary benefits. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Verify contact details and logos: When someone contacts you and you suspect it may be a scam, take the time to research and validate their information. Check their LinkedIn profile, visit official company websites, and ensure that all details align properly.
- Pressure to act quickly: Beware of situations where you are coerced into making fast decisions or urged to take advantage of limited-time deals. Also, exercise caution if you receive a list of “preferred candidates” and are instructed to contact them immediately.
- Suspicious payment methods: If a company requests payment in an unusual or suspicious manner, such as directing you to unfamiliar accounts, questionable payment links, or invoices that seem dubious, always verify all the details before making any payments.
At Marshall Wolfe, we prioritize the detection of scams and regularly update our security policies to adapt to the ever-changing nature of digital scams. We also provide internal training to our team members to enhance their awareness of scams and equip them with essential strategies to ensure our safety and security.
*Report published by UK government https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fraud-strategy
