The job searching process is often a challenging one and when you’re eager to find the best role for you, it can be easy to fall for a recruitment scam. These scammers prey on the vulnerability of those looking for a new job who may be feeling pushed for time, under financial pressure, or generally finding the process daunting.
With online job postings and modern ways of communicating, scammers are able to hide amongst legitimate recruiters and hiring managers. New figures show the amount of money reported stolen by recruitment scam texts and WhatsApp messages rose from £20,000 to nearly £1m in the past year. Read on to learn some of the tell tale signs of a recruitment scam so you can protect yourself whilst job searching.
What is a recruitment scam: There are a few different scams that circulate throughout the recruitment process, but the most common is fake job adverts or scammers posing as recruitment agencies to obtain your personal and/or financial information.
Spotting red flags: Recruitment scams come in various forms, but they often share common red flags that savvy job seekers can recognise. One of the most significant warning signs is a job offer that seems too good to be true. Scammers often dangle lucrative positions with high salaries, minimal requirements, and promises of rapid career advancement. Unrealistic job descriptions and excessive praise for your qualifications should raise immediate suspicions.
Poor communication: A tell tale sign of a fake job listing is poor spelling or grammar, so keep an eye out for this and don’t chalk it up as simply just typos. An authentic company will ensure its job listings are professionally written. Similarly with scam recruiters, pay attention to poor or inconsistent communication. Another red flag to watch out for is if you’re asked to click on unsolicited links or attachments, as this is a common phishing technique.
Unsolicited job offers: Receiving unsolicited job offers, especially through email or social media, is a potential indicator of a recruitment scam. Legitimate employers typically do not reach out to candidates without prior contact or an application. Scammers often use unsolicited emails to entice you with promises of quick employment, hoping to catch you off guard and exploit your eagerness to secure a job. LinkedIn is a great example of where a recruiter might reach out to see if you’re looking for a new opportunity, and this can be part of an authentic head hunting process but it’s important to verify the person’s credentials, perhaps by asking for a video call meeting.
Researching companies: One crucial step in avoiding recruitment scams is thorough research on potential employers. A legitimate company will have a well-established online presence, complete with a professional website, social media profiles, and positive reviews. You should scrutinise company details, cross-reference contact information, and verify the legitimacy of the job posting. Keep an eye out for anyone claiming to work for a well-known company but withholding information or avoiding answering your questions.
Protecting personal information: Another red flag is the request for personal or financial information early in the hiring process. Legitimate employers typically do not require sensitive details, such as bank account information, for job applications. You should be cautious if asked to provide these details before a face-to-face interview or the verification of a job offer.
Enlisting a legitimate recruitment firm: Turning to a reputable recruitment firm can be a strategic move for job seekers aiming to steer clear of recruitment scams. Here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we have established relationships with legitimate employers and act as the intermediary, vetting job opportunities and facilitating connections between you and the hiring firm. Partnering with a recruitment firm not only streamlines the job search process but also offers a level of assurance and guidance that helps you navigate the job market with confidence and reduced risk of falling victim to scams.
Whether you’re ready to start applying for jobs or if you’d benefit from some expert advice on the next steps for your practice career, we’re here to help. Is your current role lacking variety or flexibility? Or perhaps you’re ready for the next step in your practice career without progression in sight. Skilled accountants, experienced auditors, and tax specialists are in high demand and we’re working with forward-thinking firms looking to secure talented candidates like you. Contact the team today!
If you think you have been targeted by a recruitment scam you can report a scam message by forwarding it to 7726. If it’s a scam email, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk
