16-07-2025
Warning by major bank as job scams jump 237% since January - here's what to watch out for
Jobseekers are being warned over too good to be true opportunities in the employment market as scams have more than tripled in six months.
Cases of so-called advanced fee job scams have surged by 237 per cent since the beginning of the year, according to Lloyds Banking Group.
Tricksters prey on unsuspecting job hunters by posting phoney job adverts or making fake job offers to individuals in need of extra cash.
The jobs often involve simple tasks such as liking videos on social media platforms or reviewing hotels - all from the comfort of your own home with little effort required.
The crooks lure you in with the promise of high wages or commission, or claim you don't need an interview to be hired.
Social media is the origin of most of these scams - some 53 per cent - and an average victim loses £1,420 to these fraudsters, the research reveals. However, some 7 per cent of victims have given away more than £5,000.
But how are victims tricked into handing over hundreds or even thousands of pounds of their hard-earned money?
Tricksters are preying on unsuspecting job hunters by posting fake job adverts or making fake job offers to individuals in need of extra cash
Scammers claim employees must pay upfront fees to process the application, get trained, have a DBS check or even visa sponsorship.
Christina Ford, fraud investigator at Lloyds, says sometimes scams aren't even framed as job adverts.
Instead, a fake social media profile could rave about an amazing job opportunity they've found - which lures in curious job hunters.
'In my role, I've spoken to a number of customers who have been approached unexpectedly with job offers or they've responded to advertisements promising quick cash or remote working opportunities.
'The roles presented appear simple, such as watching or liking videos or writing fake reviews to boost company ratings.
'Customers are told they will earn a set amount per task and initially receive payments into their accounts.
'However, these payments are often sent by other scam victims who believe they are paying to unlock higher-paying tasks.'
The employees may be promised 'VIP' upgrades in the form of tasks which pay more money or commission - but scammers claim payments are needed in order to unlock these higher earning responsibilities.
Job hunters could also be lured into making more than one payment with fraudsters claiming they need money for taxes or processing fees.
Another trick used by crooks is to claim victims cannot access their commission until a fee has been paid.
Victims transfer the money in good faith to the scammers, who then disappear - either ignoring messages from the victim or block them all together.
Some scammers even go to extreme lengths to reel in job seekers by arranging fake interviews and contracts, and setting up fake websites of genuine recruitment agencies to con their victims.
Some 'employees' are also shown fake screenshots of high bank balances.
But these pernicious scams may not always start on social media.
You may come across an advert for one of these fake jobs on a website or even be messaged directly via text by a fraudster posing as a recruiter or employer.
Victims could even be persuaded to transfer money on behalf of the fraudsters, which makes them a money mule - a criminal offence.
Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds, says: 'These job scams are evolving rapidly, blending digital sophistication with emotional manipulation.
'Fraudsters are taking advantage of genuine job seekers, drawing them in with fake advertisements giving promises of remote work with big payouts and instead leaving them financially and emotionally drained.'
She warns no legitimate company will ask you to make payments in their hiring process or ask you to use your own bank account to transfer money on their behalf.
If you have any doubt, verify the recruiter or company independently. Report any unsolicited job offers or adverts to Action Fraud.
