Beware of Job Scams: Protect Yourself with These Warning Signs
Gemma Butt
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In the hustle and bustle of January and February – peak job-search months – jobseekers need to be on high alert for potential scams targeting their vulnerability.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is teaming up with JobsAware to shed light on the rising instances of job scams that not only jeopardise your finances but also put your identity at risk.
Gemma Butt, our Managing Director is on ITV News this month, discussing the rise in jobseeker scams, and how to protect yourself from them. We’ve shared some of Gemma’s top tips to keep in mind while navigating the job market:
Clear and comprehensive Job Adverts:
Ensure that job postings provide comprehensive details like job title, responsibilities, preferred experience, working hours, and salary. Be cautious of opportunities that withhold these crucial details, as it may indicate a potential scam.
Verify Company Details:
Scrutinise the legitimacy of the company. If in doubt, use resources like Companies House via GOV UK to verify the credibility of the organisation. Also, closely examine email addresses to avoid falling victim to scams.
Realistic Compensation Expectations:
Exercise caution if the offered salary seems unusually high for the position. Scammers may use tempting pay rates to entice individuals into revealing personal information or bank details.
Interviews Are a Must:
Always insist on a proper interview, either face-to-face or online, with a representative from the hiring company. If a job offer comes without this crucial step, treat it as a potential red flag.
Financial Transactions – A Red Light:
Never transfer money before officially starting a job. Whether it’s for training, uniforms, or DBS checks, these costs should typically be covered by the employer. Be sceptical if asked otherwise.
In these peak job search months, stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and prioritise your security. Don’t let the excitement of a potential job opportunity blind you to the warning signs of scams. Your diligence today can protect you from financial loss and identity theft tomorrow. If in doubt, reach out to official channels or authorities to verify the legitimacy of a job offer.
