2023/08/08

Staying Safe Online: How to Spot a Recruitment Scam

Drake Editorial Team

The digital world has been a boon for many industries, but with this convenience also comes increased risk. Recruitment is one such industry that is facing a rising wave of scams. Individuals impersonating legitimate recruitment agencies, such as Drake New Zealand, are exploiting job seekers, leading to privacy infringements, and even financial loss. Here we outline the signs of recruitment fraud and what steps you can take to safeguard yourself.

 

1. Unrealistic Offers
An adage that stands true is, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Beware of job offers promising high returns with minimal effort or those that guarantee a particular income bracket. A professional recruitment agency like Drake New Zealand will present a realistic job profile based on market trends and individual skills and experience.

2. Suspicious Social Media Interaction

Official business is rarely conducted on personal social media profiles or via WhatsApp. A legitimate recruitment agency will communicate through official channels – usually email, phone calls or through their official social media pages. For Drake New Zealand, you can contact any of our branches via our Drake New Zealand Contact Page.

3. Emails from Free Accounts

Official recruitment communication should come from the agency's official email, not from common free email platforms like Yahoo, Hotmail, or Gmail. Drake recruiters will always use an official Drake email address to communicate with you.

4. Unnecessary Personal Details
While some personal information is required in a recruitment process, it should be limited to what's relevant for the job application. Be wary if asked for sensitive details such as bank account information or date of birth, especially in the early stages of interaction. Drake recruiters will only request this type of information when necessary during the recruitment process, such as when completing an application form or setting up payment of wages.

5. Vague and Unusual Information
Be wary of vague job descriptions that don't provide any specific job information, and always ensure there is a valid street address for the agency. An authentic communication will always be personalised, addressed directly to you. Drake recruiters will always include their branch location details in their communications.

6. Upfront Payment Requests
Legitimate recruitment agencies will never ask for a fee as part of the recruitment process. If a payment request is made, especially under the pretext of getting more job information, this should be a red flag.

 

Staying Safe Online

Now that we know the warning signs, how do we keep safe? Here are some preventative steps:

• Be suspicious of 'work from home' opportunities that require upfront payments.
• Always conduct your own research about the company and job.
• Ask for references from the company.
• Be cautious when no contact address is provided.
• If the payment method sounds unconventional, decline the opportunity.
• Do not act as a monetary middleman for anyone.
• Regularly review and update your passwords.
• Report any suspicious recruitment social media profiles.

 

What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed

Despite taking precautions, if you find yourself a victim of a recruitment scam, don't panic. If you are in New Zealand and have provided personal information, contact your bank or other relevant organisations immediately. Change your passwords, report the scam to NetSafe NZ, and inform friends and family to help them avoid the same situation.

At Drake New Zealand, your safety is our priority. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to recruitment fraud, please contact us at [email protected] after taking the necessary steps. We are committed to keeping our candidates safe. We believe in creating a secure environment where your career can thrive without fear.