Scammers are unlawfully claiming to be Advocate recruiters and sending fake job ads over WhatsApp and text. This is employment fraud.
Employment fraud definition
Employment fraud refers to any dishonest or deceptive activity related to the recruitment, hiring, or employment process that is intended to deceive or defraud job seekers, employees, or employers for financial gain or other illicit purposes.
Unfortunately, these scams are becoming increasingly common, so it’s important to be vigilant.
How to spot a recruitment scam
At The Advocate Group, we never send unsolicited WhatsApp or text messages to people we don’t know.
If someone you don’t recognise claims to represent The Advocate Group, please let us know as soon as possible at info@advocate-group.co.uk or call your local Advocate Group office.
Here are some other signs the message you’ve received is a scam:
- You weren’t expecting the message.
- You don’t recognise the sender’s name, number, or email address – crosscheck their contact information with our website and LinkedIn.
- The email they give you is from a generic address, e.g., Gmail or Hotmail – our email addresses take the format of firstname.lastname@advocate-group.co.uk.
- The job description is vague or poorly written.
- The job description offers an unrealistic salary or benefits.
- You are offered a job urgently, and without an interview.
- You’re asked to make an upfront payment or send personal details.
- You are asked to follow a suspicious link.
Be cautious of offers that seem unrealistic, too generous, or come out of nowhere – they may be designed to lure job seekers into a scam.
Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t seem right about the message, stop replying.
What to do if you’re contacted by a scammer using The Advocate Group’s name
If you suspect a scammer is using The Advocate Group’s information to obtain personal information or payment, please contact us ASAP.
Here are some steps you can take if you think you might be talking to a scammer:
- Screenshot their details and the conversation and report the scam to Action Fraud. Please also notify us at info@advocate-group.co.uk.
- If you have sent money or shared financial information, contact your bank immediately.
- Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 – a free service for reporting suspicious calls or texts.
- Report scam WhatsApps within the chat in the app.
- Report scam emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Remember: The Advocate Group do not make first contact with jobseekers or request applications, sensitive information, or payments over text or instant messaging services.
Sources
- The Advocate Group – Contact Us: https://www.advocate-group.co.uk/contact-us/
- Action Fraud – Recruitment Scams: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/recruitment-scams
- Ofcom – How to report scam texts and mobile calls: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/scams/7726-reporting-scam-texts-and-calls
- WhatsApp – How to block and report contacts: https://faq.whatsapp.com/1142481766359885/?cms_platform=android
