The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is working with JobsAware to raise awareness of job scams that might lead people to share identity details and even their own money in the mistaken belief they are in line for new employment.
The DBS said there are seven red flags to look for when applying for a job.
- Poorly written job adverts
It is important that the job you are applying for sounds legitimate. It should include roles and responsibilities, desired experience, working hours and expectations, and salary. Job adverts that withhold basic information should be treated as suspicious.
- Suspicious contact details
Are the contact details legitimate? Look out for a direct contact person or email address. Be wary if there is no point of contact linked with a job advert.
- Unrealistic salary
Does the salary not seem to match the role? This could be a way of drawing you into a role that does not actually exist in order to gather personal information or bank details.
- A job offer without an interview
Being offered a job automatically without having met a member of the hiring company is automatically a red flag. You should always ask to meet face to face or online with the hiring manager.
- Being asked for money
Don’t ever send money before starting a job. This includes training, uniforms, or DBS cheques. These, in most instances, should be provided by the employer.
- Illegitimate companies or illegitimate emails
If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a company, you can check this using Companies House via GOV.UK
- UK domains
If the domain is outside the UK, ensure to look into the company further. Online jobs can be legitimate but require extra vigilance.
Keith Rosser, chair of JobsAware, said with the increase in remote job opportunities since the pandemic and the advance of technology making a lot of hiring virtual, it is increasingly easy for fraudsters to fool jobseekers.
In a recent JobsAware survey, 74 per cent of jobseekers reported applying for at least one job they suspected did not exist.
