Berkhamsted victim among people tricked by fake job application scammers in Hertfordshire

A person in Berkhamsted was among the recent victims caught out by fake job opportunity posts on social media.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed 15 people were scammed by fraudsters advertising opportunities on Facebook.

Overall the victims lost £79,000, with one Waltham Cross resident losing £37,400.

Residents from Watford, Hatfield, Letchworth, and Henlow were also exploited.

Criminals target job seekers by posting fake job opportunities on social media sites or in some cases messaging them directly via WhatsApp.

Once the victim interacts with the fraudster they are asked to make a payment to take the job application forward.

Fraudsters may also ask for bank account details to set up salary payments, to gain access to the victim’s bank account.

Senior Beacon Fraud Hub manager, Elaine Crate, said: “If you receive an exciting job opportunity sent directly to you via social media you should proceed with caution, especially if you haven’t been actively looking for a job. It’s unusual for employment agencies to ask prospective candidates to pay fees, so if this happens make sure you thoroughly research the agency or employer.”

Police in Hertfordshire advise residents to visit Action Fraud’s website for details on how to avoid being scammed, it can be found here. Hertfordshire Constabulary has provided further information on how to avoid online fraud on its website here.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has provided advice to help residents identify fraudulent posts:

-Check any messages for poor spelling and grammar – this is often a sign that fraudsters are at work.

-Check the official records to confirm that the organisation offering you the job actually exists. If it does, contact the organisation directly through officially listed contact details to confirm the job offer is genuine.

-Tell the employer that you will make your own travel and accommodation arrangements if necessary. Beware if they try hard to dissuade you or tell you that you have to use the agency they refer you to.

-Beware, too, if the employer or agent provides what appears to be a personal email address such as @Yahoo or @Hotmail as a point of contact.