Sky-high surge in job scams by 237% reported by prominent bank; here's a guide to recognize potential frauds
**Advance Fee Job Scams: A Growing Threat to Job Seekers**
In the digital age, job seekers must be vigilant against a new type of scam known as the advance fee job scam. These deceptive practices promise lucrative job opportunities but require upfront payments for various supposed fees, such as application processing, training, background checks, or visa sponsorship.
The scams often start on social media, websites, or are messaged directly via text by fraudsters posing as recruiters or employers. They may even set up fake interviews, contracts, and websites of genuine recruitment agencies to con victims.
One of the most common tactics is the creation of a sense of urgency and trust. Scammers may use emotional manipulation and sophisticated digital methods to lure genuine job seekers. For instance, they might show fake screenshots of high bank balances or persuade victims to transfer money on behalf of the fraudsters, making them a money mule, a criminal offence.
If there is any doubt about a recruiter or company, it is crucial to verify them independently. Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds, warns that no legitimate company will ask for payments in their hiring process or ask victims to use their own bank account to transfer money on their behalf.
Once the victim pays the advanced fee, the scammers either demand more money claiming additional problems or simply disappear, leaving the victim financially and emotionally harmed. No real job opportunity or earnings exist behind the scam.
This method is a form of advance-fee fraud, similar to other well-known scams such as the "Nigerian prince" or "withdrawal fee" crypto scams, where the victim must pay upfront for a large promised sum that never arrives.
To protect yourself, remember these key pieces of advice: - Never pay money to apply for a job. - Independently verify companies and offers. - Be cautious of unsolicited job offers, especially on social media. - Avoid sharing bank details or using personal accounts to transfer money as part of any job process.
If you encounter an unsolicited job offer or advert, report it to Action Fraud to help protect others from falling victim to these scams. Stay vigilant and keep job hunting safe!
[1] Action Fraud (2021). Advance Fee Job Scams. Available at: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/advance-fee-job-scams [2] Federal Trade Commission (2021). Job Scams. Available at: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0149-job-scams [3] National Cyber Security Centre (2021). Advance Fee Fraud. Available at: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/advance-fee-fraud [4] BBC News (2021). How Job Scams Are Conning Victims Out of Thousands. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55935019
- The threat of advance fee job scams extends beyond traditional job search platforms, with these deceptive tactics also surfacing in the world of finance, urging victims to invest in supposed business opportunities or pay 'application taxes' for general-news or crime-and-justice related positions.
- In the realm of banking, these scams can manipulate victims into acting as money mules, moving funds for the supposed employment or investment, unknowingly participating in illegal activities.
- Be mindful that advance fee job scams aren't limited to promising high-paying jobs or lucrative investments; they can masquerade as opportunities in various fields, even in crime-and-justice sectors, requiring banking or financing involvement.
