Jobseekers warned after identity fraud scam

Criminals are using the economic crisis to prey on desperate jobseekers in an identity fraud scam, it was revealed today.

Job applicants are being warned about bogus positions being advertised in an attempt to trick people into handing over personal details.

The Data Protection Commissioner Billy Hawkes said he fears this information will be used to illegally take money from the victim’s bank account or to apply for a loan in their name.

“Job seekers are being asked to supply details that are totally unnecessary and likely to be used to perpetrate fraud either against that person or in their name,” he said.

“I am asking all job applicants to be extra careful when supplying personal details and to verify the identity of any potential employer that seems to be seeking a lot of personal data.”

Mr Hawkes said he had recieved three complaints of fake jobs in recent days, but warned the number of scams operating could be much higher.

One of the bogus jobs, advertised in an evening newspaper, was for a labourer at Dublin Airport, while another, targeting charity workers, was for a job at the United Nations in Geneva.

The information exchanged in all cases was by email.

“It is likely that there are a number of other variations to this scheme that may be used by criminals to encourage individuals to provide their personal details, apparently to facilitate a job application,” Mr Hawkes said.

“I am very concerned that in the current economic climate criminals are trying to take advantage of job applicants.”

The Data Commissioner advised jobseekers to be sure of the identity and authenticity of a potential employer before handing over personal information.

Information including bank account details, social security details, mother’s maiden name and passport details are all entirely unnecessary at job application stage, he said.

Applicants asked for personal details to facilitate Garda vetting are also advised that a limited number of jobs require this vetting, and they must sign a detailed consent form agreeing to it.

Mr Hawkes said anyone who is worried that they may have handed over personal details to a bogus employer should consider telling their bank or financial institution.

They can then contact the Irish Credit Bureau to ask for extra checks to be made on the identity of anyone making a loan or credit card application using their name.