The recruitment sector is facing a growing threat from scammers who impersonate legitimate recruiters to steal personal information. These fraudsters offer enticing job opportunities with salaries that seem almost too good to refuse, using this allure to gather personal details for fraudulent purposes.
Recently, we encountered a troubling scam involving an individual named Ryan Ridgwell, who falsely represented himself as part of Brellis Recruitment. He claimed to offer a Senior Project Manager position at a major bank, initially reaching out under the guise of another company, Vector Recruitment. After drawing applicants in, he would contact them via WhatsApp, requesting sensitive information under the pretence of progressing their applications. This included asking for previous addresses and personal documents such as driving licenses, passports, and birth certificates.
Many victims reached out to us through telephone, social media, and email after realising the scam. Unfortunately, some had already provided their personal information, only to discover later that the scammer had attempted to open bank accounts and credit cards in their names.
Advice from Brellis Recruitment:
1. Official Communication: We will never ask for personal information through informal channels like email, text, or WhatsApp. Initial contact will always be made via a telephone call, followed by an official email from an address ending in @brellisrecruitment.co.uk.
2. Verify Email Addresses: Be wary of variations in our email address, such as @brellis-recruitment.com—these are not affiliated with us. Our official email domain ends Brellisrecruitment.co.uk Please report any suspicious contact to us immediately.
3. Immediate Actions if Scammed:
1. Contact Your Bank: Inform them immediately if any financial information was disclosed. They can help monitor for suspicious activity and secure your accounts.
2. Reach out to Action Fraud, the UK’s fraud and cybercrime centre, at 0300 123 2040 or visit their website to report the incident.
3. Alert Credit Agencies: Notify major credit agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to place a fraud alert on your credit profile, which helps prevent new fraudulent accounts from being opened.
4. Secure Your Information: Change passwords and PINs for any affected accounts and consider setting up two-factor authentication.
5. Keep Records: Maintain all communications related to the scam, as these could be vital for any investigations.
6. Stay Vigilant: Monitor your accounts and statements closely for any unauthorised transactions or suspicious activities.
7. Educate Yourself: Use resources from the Citizens Advice Bureau and the National Cyber Security Centre to learn more about protecting yourself from scams.
Stay alert and informed, and always verify the authenticity of any recruitment communication. Your security is paramount to us at Brellis Recruitment.