Beware of recruitment scams known to be targeting jobseekers 

At Hays, your job search security is extremely important to us. With an increase in reported job scams and instances of employment fraud across the UK, we’ve set out the best ways to stay secure. 

Job and employment scams trick you into handing over money or sensitive personal information by offering you jobs that do not exist, often claiming to be from a reputable organisation, like Hays.  

An employment scam can include being contacted by somebody claiming to be a Hays consultant via email, social media, SMS, WhatsApp, or on a job board, who may ask you to pass over personal details or financial information. 

Job and employment scams have become increasingly sophisticated, but knowing certain tell-tale signs could prevent you from becoming a victim. 
 

Warning signs: how to spot a job or employment scam 

If you receive communications regarding a job opportunity, the following warning signs could indicate a potential job scam:

  • You come across an advertisement, receive an email, message, letter or phone call offering you a guaranteed income or job 
  • There is a suspicious profile image, lack of genuine profile information, activity or contact details 
  • The message may claim that lots of money can be made with little effort using your personal computer, or guarantee large returns 
  • The message asks you to provide personal details or a fee for more information about the job or start-up materials 
  • You’re asked to transfer money on behalf of someone else, which may be money laundering 
  • You receive an unsolicited message from a recruiter using a generic email address, such as @Yahoo or @Hotmail, as point of contact 
  • You’re asked to provide personal details or money, possibly in the form of an “administrative fee” or “accreditation costs” 
  • You’re immediately offered a high paying job without an interview – if an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is 
  • The job advert is poorly written and contains spelling errors 

 

What to do if you suspect a job scam purporting to be from Hays 

If you’re ever in doubt about the authenticity of a Hays message, please contact your nearest Hays UK branch. 

Please note that Hays will never ask a candidate for any form of direct payment, and all email correspondence from a Hays consultant will be sent from the official Hays domain (e.g. name.surname@hays.com). 
 

What to do if you’re the victim of a job scam 

If you suspect you have been targeted by a recruitment scam, please contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. 

If you have exchanged any personal information with a suspected scammer, please report this immediately to Action Fraud. Be sure to contact your bank immediately if you have transferred any money to a suspected fraudster.