Recruitment Scams Cost UK Jobseekers Over £200,000 in One Month

Are you looking for a new job online? Be cautious as recruitment scams are increasing across the UK, especially on job boards and social media platforms. Job scams are on the rise, preying on individuals searching for work or career advancement. Scammers take advantage of job seekers by offering fake employment opportunities, often designed to steal personal information or trick victims into sending money. These scams can appear highly convincing, making it difficult to differentiate a legitimate job from a fraudulent one.

According to a BBC News report, seven jobseekers in Hertfordshire lost over £200,000 in one month alone, with two individuals each losing a staggering £70,000. These scammers are posing as legitimate recruiters and employers, advertising fake job opportunities to trick unsuspecting candidates.

Common job scams

• Identity Theft: During the so-called ‘recruitment’ process, the scammer may request proof of identity such as your passport or driving licence. These documents are then used to commit fraud, including opening bank accounts or applying for credit in your name.

• Fake Cheques: The fraudster claims you need to purchase equipment for your new role and sends you a fake cheque to cover the cost. You’re then instructed to transfer the money to a third party who is also part of the scam. The cheque later bounces and you’re left financially responsible.

• Advance Fee Fraud: In this type of scam, a fake ’employer’ asks you to pay upfront for equipment or training needed for the job. However, the goods never arrive and the so-called company vanishes with your money.

• Pyramid Schemes: You’re recruited by an organisation under the guise of selling a product or service, but are required to pay a fee to join. You’re promised earnings based on the number of people you recruit, rather than from actual product sales, which is a hallmark of illegal pyramid scheme

How to Identify a Fake Job Offer

Use the following checklist to protect yourself:

Legitimate Recruiters Will Never:

• Ask for upfront payments or fees
• Contact you only via WhatsApp or Telegram
• Push you to act urgently without proper verification
• Avoid structured interviews or assessments
• Offer vague job descriptions or unrealistic salaries

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Unprofessional communication with poor grammar or formatting
• Unofficial email addresses (e.g., Gmail instead of a company domain)
• No identifiable company address or business registration details
• Promises of guaranteed jobs with no interviews
• Being asked to pay money for application processing

Real Advice from the Experts at Atkins Search

Our Managing Director, Antony Rowe, shared:

“If you are a job seeker and payments from Recruitment Companies or Employers are requested to secure a new role, then its more than likely a scam. If you aren’t sure then get in touch with one of the team at Atkins Search, as we would be happy to advise accordingly”.

As a trusted Nottingham-based recruitment agency, Atkins Search is committed to providing transparent, ethical, and supportive job search experiences across the built environment, construction and property sectors.

How to Stay Safe While Job Hunting Online

1. Always verify the recruiter or agency
Check for company registration numbers, physical office addresses, and LinkedIn company profiles. Before applying for a job, research the company and check its records on Companies House. If you find the company, you could contact it using the details on its website to verify the job advert. One word of caution – sometimes scammers can set up fake businesses on Companies House. 

2. Stick to reputable job boards
Avoid platforms that don’t verify listings. LinkedIn, Reed, TotalJobs, and Indeed offer safer experiences when used correctly. Never send personal information or download files off the back of a conversation on a job platform.

3. Trust your instincts
If something feels off, ask questions or get in touch with professionals like us before taking action. check the URL on Who.is, which will tell you when and where the website was created. Newly created websites are a red flag.

4. Never accept a job without a formal interview.
If the interview is carried out remotely, it should be conducted via a recognised video platform (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet) where you can see the interviewer and talk in real time.

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

• Report it to Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk
• Inform your bank immediately
• Reach out to Citizens Advice or a legal professional for further support

• Change the passwords associated with the accounts or documents you shared and keep an eye on your credit report for any suspicious activity. 

Final Thoughts

At Atkins Search, we believe jobseekers deserve a safe and empowering recruitment journey. If something doesn’t feel right during your job search, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your safety comes first.

Need a second opinion on a job offer? Contact the team at Atkins Search Recruitment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recruitment scams