Stop! Think Fraud: A Job Seeker’s Toolkit Against Recruitment Scams
In an era where nearly every aspect of our lives has migrated online, the threat of fraud has magnified, affecting both individuals and businesses. With fraud accounting for a staggering 40% of all crime, the chilling reality is that 1 in 17 adults in England and Wales fall prey to fraudulent schemes each year.
That's nearly 3 million people trapped by the deceptive tactics of fraudsters.
Businesses aren't immune either, with 1 in 5 becoming victims over a three-year period. The statistics are a stark reminder that fraud is rampant.
Last month, the UK government announced its "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign, aiming to arm the public with the knowledge to identify and avoid scams.
The campaign website is a comprehensive resource designed to help you identify if you’re at risk, how to spot frauds in action and take steps to protect yourself.
Importantly, it signposts practical advice and organisations that can help you recover money or data that has been stolen from you by fraudsters.
The DBS and Fraud
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are acutely aware of the dangers of fraud, as DBS Check scams have become increasingly common.
Fraudsters go to great lengths to fabricate convincing job adverts, often creating fake company websites and even conducting interviews with applicants. Then, usually after an initial job offer, the applicant will be asked to pay for a DBS Check. Once this has been paid for, these fraudsters disappear with the money.
These scams spiked during the pandemic and have continued to be a real problem in the job market.
In support of the government’s, Stop! Think Fraud campaign, the DBS has unveiled their top tips, for job seekers who might be at risk of falling for fake DBS check recruitment scams. These tips include:
Understanding DBS Check Requirements: Not all jobs require a DBS check. Be wary of any job that demands a DBS check without clear justification. Scammers will often claim that an Enhanced or Standard DBS Check is required, as these are more expensive, but there are strict rules governing who can have these checks. Doing some research on the DBS website will help you know what these rules are.
Recognizing Red Flags: Be cautious if asked to pay for a DBS check before an interview or without a formal job offer. Legitimate employers typically cover this cost. However, it is important to note, that employers have no legal obligation to pay for a DBS Check.
Verifying the Organisation running the DBS Check: Ensure the organization is legitimate and is authorized to request a DBS check. This can usually be verified through official channels. Official DBS Umbrella Bodies like Personnel Checks, and other Registered Bodies, like regulatory authorities or councils are all listed on the DBS website.
The DBS Logo: Legitimate organisations that are registered with the DBS are not allowed to use the DBS logo on their websites or most other marketing material. Fraudsters often use the logo to add credibility to their fake sites, so if you see this it could indicate a scam.
Reporting Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a potential scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. This helps in combating fraud and protecting others.
If you’ve been looking for work for some time, it can be easy to get excited and rush the job application process. But taking a moment to assess and verify can make all the difference. Remember, these frauds are looking to capitalise on the emotions involved in the job-seeking process so it pays to be vigilant