Scammers Post Fake Job Ads and Target Jobseekers
Scammers are now targeting job seekers in Australia. Users of job seeking sites like Indeed, Jora and Seek should take precaution. Scammers post fake employment ads on job search sites to steal personal information and money from job seekers. Jobseekers who showed interest in the fake jobs would be asked to transfer money as part of the application process.
How the Recruitment Scam Works
Asking job seekers who showed interest in the fake jobs to transfer money as part of the application process is a tactic used to hide illegal money by making several bank transfers. The scammers ask job applicants to:
• Receive illegally obtained money called “payment” into their personal account, withdraw it and then deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM
• Receive the money into their personal bank account, withdraw it and then send it to an overseas recipient via MoneyGram or Western Union
• Open a new bank account to receive the illegal money, set up a travel money card and then send the money to an overseas recipient via Western Union or MoneyGram
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As part of any application process, the scammers get an excuse to ask for personal information including:
• Residential Address
• Bank Account Details
• Tax File Number
• Photocopy of Passport
These bits of information can be used to carry out identity theft. The cybercriminals can open bank accounts or lines of credit using the jobseekers’ name, so be careful.
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Take Precaution
It’s okay to search for jobs online but you need to be careful. Here are a few things you can do.
• Verify the recruiter by checking out the company’s website and social media.
• Agree to send only your resume or CV. Real recruiters need only basic information during the initial stages of the job application.
• Never send bank account and identification details, such as passport and tax file number.
Personal information is only requested by recruiters or employers after you’ve been interviewed or offered the position.
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Report It!
If you found a recruitment ad and suspect that it’s a scam, take the time to report it the following:
• The site where you found the fake job ad
• Local police
If you’ve fallen victim to one of these fake recruitment ads, contact your bank as soon as possible. Inform your bank immediately if you’ve sent money or bank account details to a scammer. Some banks even cover losses from an unauthorised transaction using your account if you’ve secured your bank details including your password.
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