Urgent scam warning issued to job hunters that could leave them out of pocket
Business hunters faced significant financial losses and potential criminal records from scam ads, and the Lloyds Bank warned and reported a 237 percent increase in business fraudsters this year.
Victims often lose £ 1,420, some of them above their pockets £ 5,000.
These fraudulent plans, which are usually caused by social media and hidden as a remote work or content role, are disproportionately aimed at young people looking for young job seekers, and the majority of the bank include those aged 18 to 34.
Frauds convince victims with fake job offers with simple online tasks such as loving tiktok videos or reviewing hotels.
However, pre -wages known as ‘further wages’ are requested for alleged needs such as application processing, training, background controls or visa sponsorship.
After payments are made, the perpetrators usually stop communication and leave or prevent victims ghosts. Lloyds emphasizes serious financial consequences and the potential of victims’ accidental records.
In more detailed and sophisticated cases, fraudsters simulate all recruitment processes, including Lloyds, fake interviews, recruitment and contracts.
They can mimic real recruitment agencies and build fake websites. Victims are sometimes added to WhatsApp group chats or fake screenshots of inflated bank balances to give the impression of legitimacy.
Victims can make more than one payment during the deception, sometimes pay for what they believe they have VIP upgrades to access higher gains or commissions.
Some frauds contain crypto wallets or platforms to complete the task, and some victims are manipulated to transfer money or act as an intermediary – unaware of money laundering – known as money -baying.
Money mules may find themselves under the risk of criminal records.
Lloyds fraud researcher Christina Ford said, “In my role, I talked to a few customers who were unexpectedly approached with job offers, or responded to advertisements that promise fast cash or remote working opportunities.
“These proposals usually take place on social media platforms, sometimes even as a business ad, they talk about a wonderful business opportunity that is in the form of a fake profile.”
“The roles presented seem simple to watch Tiktok videos or write false reviews to like or like to increase company ratings.
“However, these payments are usually sent by other scam victims who believe that they pay to unlock higher paid tasks.”
Lloyds, Fraud Prevention Director Liz Ziegler said: ın If you are asked to make any payment to apply for a job, step back and ask yourself if the opportunity feels legitimate.
“Take the time to investigate the role and the company independently.”
Lloyds’ figures were based on the analysis of frauds reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers, including Lloyds Bank, Califax and Scotland Bank customers between January and June 2025. The 237 percent increase was compared with June in January and calculated by the bank.
Here are Ms. Ziegler’s clues to avoid business fraud:
- It offers unwanted advertisements or business, and offers promising easy money on social media, which is an important “hunting area için especially for fraudsters. If you detect one, let the action fraud.
- Keep in mind that legitimate companies will not want you to pay while applying to a job and that they will not want you to use your own bank account to transfer their money. Do not do it under any circumstances.
- Verify employers and companies independently, do your own research, and do not trust the connections and documents they provide.
- Avoid the opportunities you have added to unknown applications or group chats that claim to be a part of the process.
