Jobs and recruitment
A job offer that asks for money or documents
A convincing advert, interview or offer letter is not proof that a role is genuine. Verify the employer independently before paying or sharing identity and bank details.Reviewed 29 August 2026 Next review 29 November 2026
What to do first
- Pause before paying for checks, training, equipment, software, visas or administration.
- Find the employer’s official website independently and contact its HR or recruitment team using details you found yourself.
- Confirm that the role, recruiter and interview process are genuine. A real company name or Companies House entry can still be impersonated.
- If you already sent money, contact your bank or payment provider promptly. If you shared documents, record exactly what was disclosed and watch for identity misuse.
Warning signs
- An unexpected approach through WhatsApp, Telegram, text or a personal email account.
- A job offer without a proper application or interview.
- Unusually high pay for simple tasks, vague duties or little experience.
- Pressure to pay quickly or use a link supplied by the recruiter for a DBS check, training, equipment or a visa.
- Early requests for passport images, driving-licence photographs, bank details or a selfie holding identity documents.
What not to do
- Do not rely only on websites, telephone numbers or documents supplied by the recruiter.
- Do not send money by bank transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency to secure a job.
- Do not let an offer letter, logo or professional-looking video call replace independent checks.
- Do not receive or move money through your own account as part of the work.
Sources checked
- GOV.UK and DBS — seven signs of job scams
- GOV.UK and DBS — fake DBS-check recruitment scams
- NPSA — spotting suspicious job adverts and recruiters
Cleverways summarises these sources in plain English. Follow the source organisation’s current instructions where they differ.