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Job scams on the rise in Scotland

08 December 2021

A recent UK survey of job seekers found 7 in 10 believed they had applied for a job that does not exist. In the last few days Edinburgh Airport issued an urgent warning to job seekers about fake job adverts stealing money and identity details from job seekers.

 

Earlier in the year, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) launched a campaign to raise awareness of job scams and employment fraud among job seekers, alongside JobsAware – a non-profit organisation that informs people of how to avoid and report job scams and other unfair working practices.

 

With seasonal job scams predicted to increase in the lead up to Christmas, DBS are now launching the next phase of their campaign, alongside JobsAware and Disclosure Scotland. This next phase will focus on:

  • seasonal job scams in the months leading up to Christmas
  • scams relating to money and fraudulent DBS checks
  • how scammers orchestrate scams, and signs to be aware of

 

Common signs of a job scam

Signs of job scams include illigeitimate companies/emails, poorly written job adverts, suspicious contact details, unrealistic salaries, job offers without interviews, being asked for money,

If you recognise any of the signs above, remain vigilant, and don’t hand over money or personal information until you’re sure the job is legitimate.

If you suspect you have fallen victim to a job scam, or are being targeted, report the company and/or website to JobsAware via their portal.

 

Scams relating to money and fraudulent disclosure checks

Graphic that reads: If you're applying for a seasonal job, fraudulent requests for money could be a sign of a job scam. Recognise the signs, and remain vigilant.

As detailed in the above graphic, being asked to hand over money upfront, being asked to pay expensive DBS check fees, or being asked for personal information such as bank details before a job offer is made, can all be signs of a scam.

Never part with money, or personal information until you’re sure a job is legitimate.

If you believe you have been the victim of a job scam, or are being targeted, report the company and/or website to JobsAware via their portal.

 

Read more here: DBS continues work with JobsAware to raise awareness of seasonal job scams - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

 

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