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perform a WHOIS search of the URL to find Other items to omit are passport number, NI
details of the owner. If it is someone only number, a photograph and certainly no bank
recently registered, named as an individual, or details. If an employer needs any of these,
declared as non-trading, be cautious. you can sort them out face-to-face with the HR
manager.
2. Does everything stack up?
If you are approached by a company, or see Knowledge is power
job adverts on a non-job site (such as the fake All scams prey on vulnerabilities, and
Harrods jobs advertised on Gumtree), visit the employment scam is no different. The
company’s website to check if the advertised scammers are replying on people being so
job is present, or phone the HR department. desperate for a job that they don’t question
when they are asked to supply details. You
Also double-check address or phone don’t have to be paranoid when looking for
number details. You can do this on company work, though. Just follow the advice given and
registration sites. Another good trick is to put keep a cool head. Although the internet makes
the address into Google Street View and see it easier for scams to exist, it also makes
what the premises look like. it easy for you to double-check facts. Use
this against the scammers and you can be
3. Is the behaviour professional? assured of a safe job seeking experience.
Genuine job offers follow a pattern. Contact is
made, there is an interview (usually in person However, if you think you have been
but could be via Skype); references are approached by an employment scammer,
checked and an offer is sent out. or have given away details, there are
organisations to take things further.
If you are offered a job without being asked
about your experience, or without meeting Report the scam to ActionFraud.
anyone, be cautious. If you have received a phishing email, report
the email address to the email host. Most
Also be wary of jobs that offer a higher-than-
average salary. And pay attention to when have a dedicated fraud department – search
you were contacted. Even agencies work for something like ‘report Hotmail email fraud’
within normal office hours, so correspondence to get details.
outside of those times could signify a Contact your bank immediately if you think
fraudster. your details are at risk.
4. Does my CV reveal too much? For further articles on employment scams,
Protect yourself by limiting the information visit the SAFERjobs site. This non-profit
on your CV. Don’t include your middle name, organisation helps protect job seekers
date of birth, birthplace or full address (just put and works in partnership with various law
town and postcode). These are all valuable enforcement agencies.
details scammers can use to nab your identity.
www.totaljobs.com
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