Beat the fraudsters by looking out for these top five employment scams targeting jobseekers…
SEEN a job ad offering a £50k salary, needing no qualifications and where you apply entirely online?
It sounds too good to be true. And it probably is.
Yet a report has found 98 per cent of jobseekers would still carry on with such as application.
This type of fake job ad online is part of a surge in scams targeting people for personal information or even cash.
With vacancies topping one million and many applications made online, it is easy for fraudsters to target those seeking work.
But a new campaign now aims to educate jobseekers on the dangers.
Keith Rosser, chairman of JobsAware which is behind it, said: “The process to get a new job is now often fully online and this has created an environment where fraudsters can thrive. We’re warning jobseekers and those changing industries to be hyper-vigilant of scams — and to know their employment rights.”
Find out more at .
Here are the top five jobs scams to look out for . . .
- Paying for training: Beware of bogus online courses, fake colleges and dodgy qualifications. Many jobseekers are trying to upskill or land their first position. Scammers prey on them by charging thousands for non-existent help.
- Working from home: Scams take many forms, from selling and reselling items on eBay and other platforms to money laundering, where recruiits are asked to transfer money between supposed business accounts. People have been duped into selling items that don’t exist.
- Fake job: The position does not exist and the “employer” is only after personal info, money for equipment, visas or employment checks. Hopefuls expect to hand over personal data during the job application process and want to impress employers. They will often stretch to paying for sensible- sounding services such as uniforms, equipment and checks upfront.
- Premium-rate phone scam: Been asked to call a telephone number for an interview? Watch out. This might be a con that leaves jobseekers with large bills after paying for fake interviews. To avoid being caught out, suggest a video call or ask them to call you.
- Modern slavery: There has been a rise in criminal gangs using social media platforms to post job ads that include onsite living. This might include hospitality or warehouse work, which leads unsuspecting people into a position where the accommodation costs more than the salary. This immediately puts them in a “debt bondage” position they cannot leave.
Most read in Money
Prepare for quiz on Covid
ALMOST all aspects of our lives have been impacted by coronavirus – and now it is changing job interviews too.
A study from job site Indeed has uncovered the most common post-pandemic questions being asked by hiring managers.
Mikaela Elliott, above, senior manager of employer insights at Indeed, said: “Interviewers are often asking several Covid-era questions that candidates should take the time to prepare for.”
Get ready for these common new questions:
- Have you been vaccinated? Had your booster?
- What type of flexible/hybrid working are you seeking?
- How many days would you like to work from home?
- How would you feel about not having day-to-day, face-to-face contact with colleagues?
- Are you comfortable with your home-working set-up?
- What have been your experiences of the pandemic?
- How has Covid-19 affected you personally?
JOBSPOT
DAISY COMMUNICATIONS has apprenticeships for customer support staff.
Find details at incident-advisor.
Build a career
DEVELOP your future career with Persimmon.
The housebuilder, which has been trading for almost half a century, has launched its 2022 graduate programme.
The company constructs more than 13,500 homes a year and is made up of 31 regional operating businesses. It is offering roles in commercial, customer experience and general management.
Madi Pilgrim, Persimmon’s director of talent and diversity, said: “Growth comes through challenge and we offer our graduates responsibility early in their career, while at the same time offering lots of support from senior mentors.”
For more information and to apply, see graduate-employer-company/persimmon-homes.
JOBSPOT
BLACK Solicitors is offering a Level 7 apprenticeship to become a solicitor.
For details see .
Cabin crew call
VIRGIN Atlantic is searching for 400 new cabin crew members to fly out of London Heathrow.
Applicants must be at least 18, able to reach up to 210cm high without shoes and swim 25 metres unaided and cannot have any unspent criminal convictions or cases pending.
Virgin crew member John Hamadziripi, 28, said: “We are the face of the company and are encouraged to put quality and service at the forefront of everything we do – being empathetic, flexible and adaptable. If you are passionate about aviation, travelling and customer service, cabin crew is the job for you.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“It is truly one of the best jobs in the world.”
Apply by midnight on Sunday at .