Recruitment scams happen when a scammer claims to be a recruitment agent, approaching you for a job that does not exist. Unfortunately, job scams and phishing in the recruitment sector is increasing, and we are aware that scammers are unlawfully using the Hudson Talent Solutions name and logo in an attempt to obtain your personal and/or financial information. These scams prey upon an individual’s desire to obtain a job and they can sometimes “feel” like a genuine recruitment process.
Whilst employment fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, the best way to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a job scam is to educate yourself on things to look out for during your job search.
We have set out our top tips to help you spot a potential job scam.
- Beware of initial contact via WhatsApp. This is currently the platform of choice for scammers.
- Poor spelling or grammar in communications.
- The job description is vague or poorly written.
- Communications are from generic addresses such as Gmail or Hotmail accounts.
- You are asked for unnecessary personal information before submitting your application.
- You are asked to click unsolicited links or attachments.
- You are offered a job offer immediately or without an interview.
- You are instantly offered a high salary.
- You are requested to open a cryptocurrency wallet for financial transactions.
Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
An example of a current scam in circulation goes like this:
WhatsApp contact: Hi How are you?
WhatsApp contact: Nice to meet you. I’m Eunice from Hudson Talent Solutions. We are urgently hiring for several job positions. May I share the position details with you?
WhatsApp contact: This is our package. PT£32-£38 per hour. FT £900 -£1100 per week.Located in the UK. A flexible application is available to accommodate your schedule. No contract or investment is needed. British Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Visa holder (T&C)
WhatsApp contact: Can the person in charge forward the full job details to your WhatsApp? You can take a look and decide if it suits your preference.
What to do if you think you are the victim of a job scam
- Take a screen grab or note of the fraudster’s details and report them to Action Fraud, the UK cybercrime reporting centre Action Fraud. If you have given them any money, contact your bank immediately and let them know.
- Warn the operators of the website/social media site through which you were contacted and let them know that their site is being used by fraudsters.
You can find more information on employment fraud and recruitment scams on the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/understanding-the-impact-of-job-scams
