Job-scam threat a growing concern

SCAMS targeting both known and not-so-well-known brands, are advertising jobs that don't exist in order to harvest identity details.

SCAM WARNING: Job ads might not be what they seem.

JOB scams are gaining momentum, according to IDCARE's client engagement statistics.

These scams target both known and not-so-well-known brands, advertising jobs that don't exist in order to harvest identity details.

Since mid-March, IDCARE has provided counselling and support to 85 people who have been unwittingly recruited by organised crime to move money offshore.

Jobs have ranged from part-time administrative assistants to travel advisors.

A common tactic is to advertise positions that don't require previous experience, have flexible work-from-home hours and request expressions of interest via major online recruitment portals.

From there, prospective candidates are quickly engaged to complete an application, including providing driver's licence and banking details, followed by the inevitable online or telephone interview.

Individuals who have experienced these scams on average have five forms of identity credentials compromised, including a scanned image of their driver's licence.

Once the job is landed, candidates are asked to follow instructions carefully - mostly given via an email from an address that doesn't look like the real company email address, or via Skype or other online messaging services.

They are told that money is to be transferred into their personal bank account, where about 95% of it is to be physically withdrawn and then transferred via a money remitter offshore to a nominated account.

The remaining 5% is kept by the employee as commission.

Recruits are typically told they have to email evidence that they have transferred the 95% to the overseas account within a couple of hours.

A fair number of the 85 recruits IDCARE has supported are 25 years or younger.

Often mums make the call first to IDCARE, concerned their child has found themselves involved in criminal activity.

Top priority for the recruits and their parents is how to disengage from this organised crime group that knows so much about them.

What to do with the proceeds of crime left in their bank account?

Will the police arrest them for falling in with the criminals and laundering funds?

Are they physically safe, given the criminals know where they live?

What will the criminals do with their identity information? How can this information be misused?

If you think you or someone you know may have unwittingly been caught up in this type of scam, call IDCARE (1300 432 273) and talk to one of our identity security counsellors. If you have any information about those responsible for these abhorrent acts, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Job-scam threat a growing concern