Recruitment Scams: Be Aware!
There have been reports in the news recently of people being targeted by fake recruitment agencies.
At MarkJames Search, we take honesty and integrity very seriously (Two of our core values!) and so wanted to ensure our clients and candidates that we would NEVER ask for payment to secure a job role.
Although these scams are highly sophisticated, we would always look to have a virtual or face-to-face meeting with clients and candidates, so if someone reaches out to you, claiming from MarkJames Search but does not want to meet "face-to-face", please report them here.
If in doubt, get in touch with us via email here. We're always happy to confirm if an offer is legitimate. The full list of our team is also available on our website, so please always double check if you have any worries or concerns.
In the meantime, here are some of our top tips for spotting a scam:
1. Too Good to Be True: If an offer or opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use enticing promises to lure victims.
2.Insistent Communication: We will always do our best to reach out to you, but if someone is bombarding you with texts, calls and emails, it's not going to be a genuine recruiter.
3.Urgency and Pressure: Scams often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly. Be wary of demands for immediate action or threats of consequences.
4.Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organizations won't ask for sensitive information like passwords, bank details for payment or Social Security numbers via email or unsolicited messages.
5. No Verifiable Contact Information: Scams often avoid providing legitimate contact information. Reach out to us via the information on our website, as opposed to any address, phone number or email address given in unsolicited contact.
6. Unprofessional Communication: Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and unprofessional formatting in emails or messages can be indicators of a scam. We put a lot of effort into our outreach, so it won't be us if it's not professional!
7. Check the Website's Security: Look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar when providing personal information. A lack of these security features may indicate a scam.
8. Research the Company or Individual: Use search engines to look for reviews, testimonials, or complaints about the company or individual involved in the offer. Legitimate businesses usually have an online presence.
9. Too Much Secrecy: If the details of a transaction or offer are excessively secretive or vague, it may be a red flag. Legitimate businesses are transparent about their practices.
10. Payment Methods: Be cautious of requests for payment through unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These are often favoured by scammers because they are difficult to trace.
Remember, trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, take the time to investigate before proceeding. If in doubt, consult with friends, family, or professionals before making any decisions.
