When pursuing new career opportunities, it's vital to recognise the signs of job scams. Knowledge and clever decision-making are your best defences against fraud. We're here to guide you on spotting suspicious offers, understanding how we communicate, and reporting any questionable activity to LiveCareer and local authorities.
How do legitimate employers communicate with job seekers?
A legitimate employer will always prioritise transparent, professional communication. A legitimate business will never make contact through third-party platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal. If you receive communications through any of those methods purporting to be from an employer or a recruiter, do not engage. We will only get in touch with you via our official LiveCareer email domain or directly on our platform if you are a subscriber.
Key reminders:
- Legitimate communication will always be clear and professionally structured.
- Beware of messages from non-official emails or informal text-only platforms.
- Beware of messages from non-official emails or informal text-only platforms.
How to identify common job scams?
Job scams often follow similar patterns. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Urgent deadlines: Fraudsters may pressure you to act swiftly with phrases like 'act now' or 'urgent hire.' A legitimate company will provide sufficient time to review an offer, ask questions, and clarify terms.
- Dodgy job adverts: If the job posting is unclear about the role or company, or lacks details about responsibilities, it’s likely fraudulent. If an interview is arranged through WhatsApp, Telegram or a similar platform, this is typically an indication of fraud.
- Bogus recruiter profiles: Scammers may impersonate a business representative using email addresses. Always confirm the recruiter's identity. Scammers may use slightly changed email addresses, posing as recruitment agents or company representatives. Be wary of emails inviting you to virtual interviews from personal email accounts rather than official company emails.
- Phishing attempts: be wary of emails with misspelt company names. These emails frequently invite you to a 'virtual interview' via non-company email platforms such as Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo.
- Money requests: Be wary if you're asked to pay for training, equipment or anything else in advance. Respectable employers don't charge any fees.
- Suspiciously high wage: Job offers promising unreasonably high wages for little effort or work are often scams. Standard remuneration should align with industry norms and required qualifications.
How to avoid falling victim to employment cons?
To avoid falling victim to job scams, we recommend adhering to these guidelines:
- Research the employer: Conduct an online search of the company’s name along with terms such as 'scam,' 'fraud' or 'complaint.' Verify the recruiter's profile on professional platforms such as LinkedIn, and check the company's standing with the Companies House.
- Verify professionalism: Genuine job offers will include well-written, error-free communication. Be wary of messages with poor grammar or unusual syntax, often signs of fraud.
- Avoid paying for a job: Fraudsters may request payment for interview bookings or placement fees. Legitimate employers will never require payments for these services.
- Protect personal information: Never share sensitive details like your social security number, bank account information, or driver’s license without being fully assured of the job’s legitimacy. Watch out for recruiters pressuring you to provide personal information upfront.
How to report suspicious behaviour?
Fraud prevention begins with awareness. If you suspect that a job offer or recruiter may be a scam, act immediately by reporting it to our customer service team, your local authorities or your consumer protection organisation. If you have shared personal information or bank account details, get in touch with your financial institution and keep an eye on your bank account for any unusual or peculiar activity.