Whilst job scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the best way to help prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a job scam is to educate yourself on things to look out for during your job search.

We have set out our top tips to help you spot a potential job scam.

• You are asked for money, an “administration fee”, “security fee” or an “accreditation fee”. The Morning Hours will never ask you to pay any type of fee, transfer cash or provide credit card information.
• Poor spelling or grammar in communications.
• The job description is vague or poorly written.
• Communications are from generic addresses such as Gmail or Hotmail accounts.
• You are asked for unnecessary personal information before submitting your application.
• You are asked to click unsolicited links or attachments.
• You are offered a job offer immediately or without an interview.
• You are instantly offered a high salary.

Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Take a screen grab or note of the fraudster’s details and report them to Action Fraud (see Resources below)
• If you have given them any money, contact your bank immediately and let them know.
• Warn the operators of the website/social media site through which you were contacted and let them know that their site is being used by fraudsters.