Job scams and how to avoid them

The Careers Service reviews each job advertisement it receives in an effort to ensure jobs pay National Minimum Wage and are genuine, lawful and non-discriminatory. 

Unfortunately there has been a large increase in employment scams over recent years. During your job search, you may occasionally encounter roles that are not genuine and whose only purpose is to take advantage of you as a job seeker, usually financially. 

Sometimes these are illegal, sometimes they exploit loopholes in the law or rely on the applicant not reading and understanding what they are getting into. In some cases 'phishing' scams are attempts to obtain your financial/personal data for fraudulent purposes.

Common job scams

Fake job listings: Bogus postings on job sites or social media, sometimes charging application or training fees

Reshipping scams: You're asked to receive packages and forward them to another address, but the items are stolen goods

Task scams: You're paid a small amount for simple online tasks, but it's a trick to build trust before a scammer steals a large sum of money

Imposter scams: Scammers pretend to be representatives of legitimate companies, government agencies, or recruiters

Phishing scams: You are tricked into giving up personal details like your bank account or passport number through a fake website or application

Work-from-home and remote job scams: Scams focused on jobs that seem easy or require minimal effort, like "envelope stuffing" or assembling crafts at home

Informational material scams: Scammers pose as career experts who charge for fake 'essential information' to help you get the job

Tips for avoiding scam jobs

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Look out for roles where the hourly rate or salary is far higher than usual for similar types of roles

• Be suspicious if you are directed to different phone numbers, email addresses, websites, messaging platforms (e.g. WhatsApp), or a different company name than the one in the original advert

• Watch out for typos, and be cautious if the contact uses a free email service (e.g. Gmail)

• Do not part with any money or alternative forms of payment (e.g. gift cards)

• Avoid schemes where you make money by signing up new members to sell for you

• Make sure you ask questions about the job if you are unsure

• Do not be pressured into signing up for anything you do not fully understand

• Be careful about what information you share, such as bank or financial details, passport or other identification, or personal data, unless you have received a formal and legitimate job offer or contract of employment

If in doubt:

• Do not apply for the job

• Do not agree to sign anything

• Do not pay for any services on offer

• Do not share any financial or personal data

• Do not respond to any contact from the organisation

• Ask the Careers Service for a second opinion

• Get advice on scams

Common job scams and how to protect yourself

If you believe you have been the victim of an employment scam:

• Keep copies of all correspondence about the job, and write down names, dates, and anything else you can remember.

• Refer to guidance from Action Fraud on how to report the incident.

• If the vacancy was inadvertently advertised through the Careers Service or on campus, please tell us immediately by contacting the Careers Service.

• General guidance on standard employment practices in the UK can also be found at Citizens Advice.

Information taken from Indeed website.

Be safe online

If you are a victim of any other scams or fraudulent activity, you can report it via Action Fraud, either online or over the phone. They also provide information on recruitment scams.

Scams continue to evolve and can affect various areas of your life, from paying utility bills to buying gig tickets, you can sign up to the Which? Scam Alert Service to stay updated on the latest scams. You can also find information about getting your money back if you have been a victim of a scam or fraud.

JobsAware provides free help and advice to workers who may have suffered from scams, mistreatment, or unfair working practices.

Further useful resources

• Goldsmiths article: Advice to help keep you safe online and avoiding scams
• Action Fraud: If you are a victim of any other scams or fraudulent activity you can report it either online or over the phone.  They have more information on recruitment scams. 
• Which? Scam Alert Service: to stay up to date on the latest scams. Also find out more about getting your money back if you have been a victim of a scam or fraud. 
• Jobsaware: provides free help and advice to workers who may have suffered from scams, mis-treatment or unfair working practices.