At Randstad UK, your job search security is our top priority. In today's digital world, we believe in empowering you with the tools to recognise and avoid potential scams without dampening your enthusiasm for finding a job.
Impersonation scams, or phishing, is where attackers use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to mimic trusted entities like reputable companies or government agencies. Their aim is to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal identification by creating a false sense of trust and urgency.
These scams may present themselves as job offers, requests for an application or CV, or fake job listings.
How to avoid phishing scams.
To protect yourself against scams, knowledge is your greatest ally. Recognising the warning signs during your job search or communications can make all the difference. Here are some key pointers to help you identify potential job scams:
- Don’t part with your money: Be cautious of any requests for payment such as "administration fees," "security charges," or "accreditation costs." Randstad UK never requires any form of payment from candidates to assist them into work. If asked at any point for a payment, cease communication and reach out through one of our official channels.
- Badly written messages: Poor grammar and spelling in communications are clear indicators of suspicious intent. Legitimate job offers maintain a professional standard.
- Generic Email Addresses: Emails originating from non-Randstad domains should automatically raise suspicion. Authentic communications from Randstad UK will usually come from our official domain, so double check that this is the case. You can find a list of our email formats here.
If you ever have doubts about the authenticity of a Randstad UK advertisement or communication, please don't hesitate to reach out to your local Randstad UK branch. Organisations can use this free Government email security service to check for cyber vulnerabilities.
You can also forward any correspondence you find suspicious to reportphishing@randstad.co.uk.
Legitimate Randstad UK email addresses typically follow the format of name.surname@randstad.co.uk, (or their country equivalent). If you receive correspondence from an address that deviates from this structure, it's a wise decision not to engage.
- Excessive Personal Data Requests: Be wary if you're asked to provide excessive personal information before submitting an application. Legitimate employers collect relevant information at the appropriate stages of the hiring process.
- Unsolicited Links or Attachments: Refrain from clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited communications. Always verify the source of the email before downloading or forwarding to others.
- Instant Job Offers: If a job offer arrives instantly or without an interview, scrutinise its legitimacy. Authentic hiring processes require due diligence and evaluation before moving to later stages of the hiring process.
- Sharing Sensitive Financial Information: Please refrain from sharing any banking or payment details via instant messaging platforms, as Randstad UK does not currently extend job offers through services like WhatsApp. We also never request financial or banking information via such platforms.
Remember, if an opportunity seems too good to be true, it's essential to exercise caution.
WhatsApp recruitment scams: what you need to know.
WhatsApp has unfortunately become a platform used by untrustworthy actors for recruitment scams. In some cases, individuals may receive messages claiming to be from reputable organisations like Randstad, aiming to gain their trust. These messages often promise enticing job opportunities and request personal information. It's crucial to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of such messages, as Randstad and other legitimate companies typically employ more secure and formal methods for recruitment. Always double-check the credentials of any unsolicited messages on WhatsApp to protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive tactics.
If you are unsure of a communication, cease the conversation with the individual and feel free to double check through an official channel if the worker is a legitimate Randstad UK employee.
What to do if you think you have been scammed.
In the unfortunate event that you encounter a job scam using the Randstad UK identity, take note of the scammer's details and report the incident to Action Fraud.
Action Fraud is a vital resource in the UK for individuals concerned about falling victim to scams. It serves as the national reporting centre for all types of fraud and cybercrime. If you suspect that you've been targeted or have encountered a fraudulent scheme, Action Fraud is where you should turn. They provide essential guidance on how to recognise, report, and protect yourself from scams
If you've already provided money to scammers, contact your bank immediately to minimise the impact. Additionally, inform the administrators of the respective website or social media platform through which you were contacted, helping prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
Remember, your vigilance and awareness are your strongest allies in the fight against job-related scams.
Further information on how Randstad protects your data
To read further on how we protect your data and for a full list of Randstad connected email address formats to verify any correspondence, please visit our ‘your data’ page.