What is a recruitment scam?

A recruitment scam offers you a job that does not exist to obtain money or personal information. Report Fraud describes false recruiters requesting payments for equipment, training or checks. A convincing interview or employer website does not establish that the person contacting you represents the employer. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How does it work?

  1. Someone offers a job through an advert or unexpected contact. 1
  2. They request information and may conduct a convincing interview. 1
  3. They demand fees for arrangements they never make. 1

What Report Fraud describes

Report Fraud describes overseas job offers followed by visa and accommodation fees. The fraudulent agency takes the fees without making those arrangements. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • An unexpected job offer leads to upfront payment requests. 1
  • An agent insists you use its travel or accommodation service. 1
  • The employer cannot confirm the offer through independently found contact details. 1

What to do now

  1. Stop contact with a recruiter you believe is fraudulent. 1
  2. Tell your bank if you sent money. 12
  3. Tell the job website if its service was used to approach you. 1

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 23
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 34
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 4
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 5

How can you protect yourself?

  • Contact the employer through details you find independently to check the offer. 13
  • Check overseas visa requirements with the relevant embassy. 1

Frequently asked questions

Can an interview be part of the scam?

Yes. Report Fraud describes telephone interviews and questionnaires used to make false offers convincing. 1

What fees might a fake recruiter request?

Report Fraud lists equipment, training, security checks and arrangements for work abroad. 1

Does a company’s existence prove the offer?

No. Check with the real organisation that it made the offer. 1

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Recruitment scams. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).