Understanding The Impact Of Job Scams

22nd November 2021

In the final phase of our job scams campaign, DBS has been working with JobsAware and Cifas to understand the impact of scams, and how to avoid being scammed.

As part of our latest job scams campaign, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has been working with JobsAware and Cifas, to understand the impact of scams, and how information collected as part of a scam, is then used by scammers.

Signs of a potential job scam
Job scams are on the rise, and in 2020, seasonal job scams increased by 88% compared to 2019. With figures predicted to increase again this year, it's important to remain vigilant and familiarise yourself with the signs of a potential job scam or fraudulent job advert.

The first two phases of this campaign focused on the signs of a potential scam, and as detailed below, included illegitimate contact details, poorly-written job adverts, and being asked for money.

Identity fraud
Alongside highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant, and raising awareness of signs of potential scams, we're now looking at how information collected as part of a job scam can be used by scammers, and this includes identity fraud.

85% of identity fraud is committed via online channels, and Cifas members recorded almost 158,000 cases of identity fraud in the first nine months of 2021. Not only is this an increase of 17% compared to 2020, but this is equivalent to one person every 2.5 minutes.

Mike Haley, Cifas CEO, said:

The pandemic created numerous opportunities for criminals to steal victims' personal and financial details, including through fake online job adverts. Personal information is extremely valuable to criminals as they can use a victim's details to impersonate them and apply for products and services such as bank accounts, loans, and credit cards.

Always take a moment to stop and think before handing over your personal or financial information, or when sharing documents such as a passport, driving licence, or bank statement.

Case studies
Case study one
Finchley applied for a job that was posted online, and was asked to pay for a DBS check as part of the process. Upon paying for the DBS check, communication stopped, and Finchley realised he had been the victim of a scam.

Case study two
Naomi came across a job on an online job board, and as part of the application, provided her name, address, and a variety of scanned documents. She was then asked for money, and when she refused, communication stopped.