We are aware of current scams impersonating recruitment agencies including ourselves targeting jobseekers over whatsapp and asking them to supply personal details.
Please be aware that The Recruitment Group will never ask you for your personal information via Whatsapp and anyone claiming to be from The Recruitment Group doing so is part of a scam. We also never advertise jobs through Whatsapp.
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Recruitment Roundup #14
Protecting Jobseekers - Joining Forces Against Recruitment Scams
In today’s Recruitment Roundup, we are shining a light on the rise in scams in the recruitment industry. Previously, we highlighted how to recognise ‘fake recruiters’ on Whatsapp with advice on how to stay alert. However, recent reports have still shown a significant rise in job-related scams, with a staggering 259% increase from Q4 2022 to 2023. As job boards and recruitment platforms continue to play a pivotal role in connecting employers with potential candidates, it's important to take proactive measures to safeguard jobseekers and maintain the integrity of the recruitment process.
Enter JobsAware's groundbreaking initiative - an anti-scam certification scheme designed to combat fraudulent activities in the recruitment industry. Backed by the government and driven by industry experts, this certification scheme aims to provide a layer of protection for both jobseekers and employers against advertisement scams and fraud.
The Rise of Online Recruitment Fraud
With the increase in online job platforms, the amount of recruitment scams has soared, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Recent data from Ofcom reveals that a staggering 30% of UK online adults have fallen victim to employment scams or fraud, surpassing other forms of online deception. On average, individuals are losing over £3k to scammers, highlighting the severity of the issue.
What is the JobsAware's Certification Scheme?
JobsAware has launched a certification scheme aimed at accrediting job boards and recruitment platforms that adhere to stringent anti-scam practices. Becoming ‘JobsAware-protected’ signifies a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in job postings. Businesses seeking certification will undergo an auditing process conducted by the British Assessment Bureau, ensuring compliance with government regulations and industry best practices.
Support from the industry
The initiative has support from key industry players and government officials. Job boards such as e4s, Guardian Jobs, and Adzuna, along with job board software provider Madgex, have already pledged their participation in the scheme's pilot phase. Conservative minister Simon Fell stated that the initiative was an ‘excellent example’ in safeguarding public interests, focusing on the importance of industry-led initiatives in improving online safety measures.
Keith Rosser, chair of JobsAware, mentioned that the way people find jobs is changing now becoming more digitalised. It does open up more opportunities, however ‘it also allows fraudsters to scale.’
For more information on how to join the pilot scheme and become JobsAware-protected, visit the JobsAware website.