Recruitment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the UK.
From job seekers losing money and personal data, to employers facing reputational damage from impersonators, the risks are real and growing.
At Astute People, we’ve built our reputation on professionalism, transparency, and ethical recruitment.
As experienced industry specialists in the energy, power, and infrastructure sectors, we want to help candidates and employers alike understand the signs of recruitment fraud, and avoid becoming victims.
For Candidates: What scams to watch out for
Scammers often target job seekers because of the personal information, urgency, and hope that’s built into the job search.
Here are the most common types of recruitment scams, and recent examples from across the UK:
1. Fake recruiters and job listings
In January 2024, the BBC reported that a recruitment firm in Surrey had its brand impersonated by fraudsters using WhatsApp and fake job boards.
Victims were asked to submit personal identification and even bank details, believing they were in a legitimate hiring process.
Tip: Always check if the recruiter has a company email address (e.g. name@astutepeople.com) and a direct profile page on their agency’s website.
At Astute People, every consultant has a public page with their direct contact number.
2. Advance fee scams
Fraudsters may offer you a job and ask for payment upfront for DBS checks, training, or equipment.
In August 2023, the BBC highlighted a surge in such scams in the wake of economic uncertainty, with Action Fraud receiving more than 700 reports in just one month.
Data: According to the UK’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, victims lost an average of £2,300 each to fake job and training schemes in 2023.
3. Visa and sponsorship fraud
One of the most damaging cases came in late 2023, when the BBC uncovered a scam in which overseas students, primarily from India and Nigeria, were charged thousands for fake care home job offers.
Over 140 fake certificates of sponsorship were issued, each costing up to £17,000.
Warning: No legitimate recruiter or employer should charge for a Certificate of Sponsorship. If you’re unsure, speak directly with a verified contact, like those listed on our team page at Astute People.
4. No-Interview Offers
If you receive a job offer without a proper interview, alarm bells should ring.
Professional recruitment always involves interviews, reference checks, and clear documentation.
Reminder: Astute People will always guide you through every stage of the recruitment process. We never offer roles without candidate assessments and client interviews.
For employers: How scams can target your business
While job seekers are often victims, employers are increasingly being drawn into scams too, sometimes unknowingly.
1. Agency impersonation and brand hijacking
Scammers use your company name and logo to advertise fake jobs.
Candidates then associate your brand with the fraud.
The BBC recently covered how impersonators used a real recruitment brand’s identity to target applicants with convincing documentation.
Risk: Reputational damage, compliance breaches, and exposure to lawsuits from affected candidates.
2. Phishing and invoice fraud
Fraudsters may pose as recruitment agencies and send phishing emails to your HR or finance teams with fake invoices.
These attacks are increasingly common in mid-sized UK businesses, particularly those hiring at scale.
Advice: Ensure all payments and job requisitions come through verified sources. At Astute People, all communication is traceable, secure, and transparent.
3. Fraudulent candidate profiles
In an age of AI-generated CVs and deepfakes, some scammers apply using fake identities to gain access to sensitive roles.
Without robust background checks, businesses could be exposed to regulatory and operational risk.
Our approach: We conduct stringent pre-employment vetting, from right-to-work checks to full reference validation.
Our commitment at Astute People
We pride ourselves on direct, transparent communication.
Every one of our recruiters is listed on our website with a direct dial number and email address.
We don’t use WhatsApp for cold outreach, and we never ask for payment from candidates, ever.
If you’re unsure whether someone contacting you is genuinely from Astute People, visit our website and speak directly with one of our consultants.
Stay vigilant
Recruitment scams exploit ambition and trust, two qualities that should be celebrated, not abused.
At Astute People, we’re committed to protecting our candidates, our clients, and the integrity of the hiring process.
If you want to know more or verify any contact, visit our website and speak to a team member directly.
