When you are searching for a new job, it’s normal to expect that the job ads you come across are genuine vacancies that you can apply for. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and it is possible that by applying for a part time role, you could be getting scammed.
Best case scenario, this is just a waste of your time. But some job search scams can see you being conned out of your personal information and / or money.
Sadly, job search scams are becoming increasingly common.
That same convenience that online job searches provide also creates opportunities for scammers.
Fraudsters exploit your eagerness to find employment, potentially luring you into scams that can lead to financial loss, identity theft and emotional distress.
But this article is not here to strike fear into you as a job seeker. It is here to educate you and give you the practical tools necessary to protect yourself from these situations.
That way you can apply for the many genuine part time opportunities out there and land your ideal job!
Types of Job Search Scams in the UK
Let’s take a look at some of the job search scams you could come across when looking for part time jobs in the UK.
Fake Job Listings
This is a situation where scammers post fake job advertisements on legitimate job boards, social media platforms or even their own websites.
Alarm bells should ring for you if you see a part time job ad that is an entry level role and promises high pay for minimal work, with prior experience not being necessary. This makes those jobs appeal to a wider audience.
Once an applicant expresses interest, the scammer might then go on to request your personal details or payment for fabricated training materials, background checks, equipment needed to do the job and other ‘expenses.’
Advance Fee Scams
In this scam, job seekers are told they’ve secured a position but must pay an upfront fee to cover administrative costs, visa processing or training sessions.
Naturally, once you have made the payment asked for, the scammer disappears and the job offer turns out to be fake.
Be wary of any job offers that ask YOU to pay money to THEM.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are those that target personal and financial information.
A fraudulent employer may ask for sensitive details such as your National Insurance Number, bank account information or copies of other ID documents (such as your passport or driving licence) under the guise of processing your application.
This information is then used for identity theft or other fraudulent activities that you might not find out about until a few weeks or months down the line.
Fake Recruitment Agencies
Some scammers pose as recruitment agencies, claiming they have exclusive access to high-paying jobs.
They may charge fees for their services or for insider access to the best part time job openings. Reputable recruitment agencies charge the employers a fee for providing them with the staff they need. Not the jobseeker.
According to Gov.uk on your rights as an agency worker, if you are an agency worker, recruitment agencies cannot charge you a fee for finding you work. Keep this in mind if you are looking for temporary agency work or seasonal agency jobs.
Whilst some will charge for other additional services, they are not allowed to force you to accept these paid services in return for finding you a part time job.
Work From Home Scams
We have written in the past about scams to look for with work from home jobs. Part time work from home jobs are attractive to many for lots of reasons. Unfortunately, there are lots of work from home scams out there that you need to look out for.
These scams gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, targeting individuals seeking remote opportunities.
In this scam, one of the things fraudsters do is to advertise roles such as data entry or envelope stuffing, requiring an upfront payment for materials or training.
Once the payment is made, the job never materialises.
Read our in depth article about how to avoid work from home scams and then once you know what to look for, take a look at some ideas for work from home jobs.
Pyramid Schemes and MLMs Disguised As Jobs
Some multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes or pyramid scams masquerade as legitimate job opportunities.
There is often an amazing success story attached to the role – and you, too, can own this car and have these riches if you follow the process.
These types of ‘opportunities’ often require you to purchase products or pay membership fees, promising earnings through recruitment rather than actual sales or work.
Fake Visa & Overseas Job Scams
This is where scammers exploit individuals looking for international opportunities.
They promise lucrative jobs abroad but require payment for visa processing, travel arrangements, accommodation on arrival or legal documentation.
After payment, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim with no job and a lighter wallet.
Red Flags to Watch Out For With Part Time Job Search Scams
Now we know the types of job scams out there, here are some red flags to look out for that might make you realise a job ad is in fact a scam.
Being able to recognise the warning signs of a job scam is crucial to protecting yourself. Be cautious if:
- The job seems too good to be true: If the salary or perks seem unusually high for the role or your qualifications, it might be a scam. We all know the phrase, ‘If it seems too good to be true, it usually is too good to be true.’ Trust your instincts.
- Upfront payment is required: Legitimate employers or agencies do not ask job seekers to pay for applications or pre-job training.
- Lack of a physical office or company building or verified contact information: A legitimate company will have a verifiable office address, phone number and professional email domain. Most will also have an online presence on social media that you can check out.
- Poorly written job descriptions: Many scams use vague or poorly written job descriptions with spelling and grammar errors.Many will just be a couple of simple sentences rather than a well thought out job ad with information about the company and / or the use of graphics.
- Pressure to act quickly: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, urging you to pay or share information immediately to secure the role. The creation of a sense of urgency is to prevent you from doing your due diligence – an ‘act first, think later’ approach.
- Requests for personal or financial information early in the process: No legitimate employer should ask for sensitive information, like bank account details, during the initial application process.
- Unverified recruitment agencies: Check if the agency is listed with the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) or other official bodies in the UK. Ask other job seekers if they have experience of using the recruitment agency in question. If no one has heard of them, this could be cause for a red flag.
What Actions Can You Take To Protect Yourself?
Let’s take a look at what you can do to make sure you are applying for genuine part time jobs.
- Research the company: Before applying for a part time job that you like the look of, research the company online. Look for any reviews or complaints and for confirmation of its legitimacy. Verify the company’s website and be cautious of any lookalike domains that mimic real companies. Many scam companies will mimic logo designs that we are all familiar with to try and con you into thinking they are legitimate. Often, the URL (website address) will give the game away.
- Use reputable job boards: Stick to well-known UK job boards like this one. These platforms often vet employers to reduce fraudulent activity. Speak with friends and peers about positive experiences they have had with job boards.
- Verify recruiters: If a recruiter contacts you, confirm their credentials. Check if they are registered with the REC or other professional organizations.
- Be cautious with personal information: Do not share sensitive information such as your National Insurance number or bank details until you are sure the employer is legitimate and you have a formal offer. Depending on the size of the company, there will be an HR team / person who deals with this once you have accepted the job.
- Avoid upfront payments: Legitimate employers should not ask you to pay for anything during the hiring process. Be wary of any request for money, no matter how small.
- Use secure communication: Whilst it may not necessarily be a scam, avoid engaging with recruiters or employers who use personal email addresses. Legitimate companies typically use corporate email domains. Even small businesses such as sole traders typically have a business email address.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: If you receive a job offer without having applied or interviewed, it could be a scam. Of course, in some industries, it could well be that you are being headhunted if you have built up a solid reputation in your line of work. Do your due diligence on the company and the person offering you the job.
- Trust your instincts: And, all importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right about a job ad, there’s a good chance your instincts are warning you off for good reason. If something feels off about a job offer or at any time throughout the recruitment process, trust your instincts and investigate further.
What To Do If You’re Targeted In A Job Scam
If you suspect you might have encountered a job scam, you can take immediate steps to protect yourself – and, in turn, other unsuspecting jobseekers. Here are the steps you can take:
- Stop communication: Cease all contact with the person you are dealing with – the possible scammer – and do not send any money or further information. Keep details of all the information you have on the scammer / fraudulent company. If you have sent money before suspecting a scam, contact your bank immediately.
- Report the suspected scam: Notify Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can file a report online or call their helpline.
- Inform the job board or other advertising source: If you found the scam on a job board, report the fraudulent listing to the platform. Likewise if you saw the job ad in a local publication or other online platform, let them know.
- Monitor your accounts: Even if you have informed your bank or credit card company about the scam, if you shared financial or personal information, monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity so that you can inform the necessary organisations immediately.
- Warn others: Share your experience to alert others. This can be done through social media and local forums. And, of course, word of mouth is also a very useful tool.
Government & Legal Protections
Aside from the possible financial loss, being a victim of a job scam can also have adverse effects on your mental health.
There are UK government and regulatory bodies that provide support for victims of job scams:
- Action Fraud: This is the National fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre. It is the UK’s central fraud reporting service and provides advice and support.
- The Employment Agencies Standards Inspectorate (EAS): Ensures recruitment agencies operate lawfully.
- Citizens Advice: Offers free legal advice to victims of scams.
Job search scams in the UK are a growing concern but with vigilance and awareness you can protect yourself.
By staying informed, researching opportunities thoroughly and trusting your instincts, you can navigate the job market safely.
Remember, if a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always prioritise your safety over the allure of quick employment and don’t hesitate to seek help if you fall victim to a scam.
Your dream part time job is out there. Just make sure it’s a legitimate one.
If you are currently looking for part time work, take a look at current UK part time vacancies in our listings. And that dream part time job could be there, waiting for you.