Doncaster job hunters targeted by bogus advert scam

Action Fraud data provided to South Yorkshire Police has shown that a number of residents in the county have applied for a job online, provided various personal details, and then later found out it was a fraudulent advert.

PC Joanne Wyke, from the force's Fraud Coordination Team, said: "In the reports, the victims have applied for a job by completing an online application for a company called Apex Pharmacy. The victims sent in all of their personal details, including National Insurance numbers, bank account details and copies of driving licences and passports.

"It's only when they've received an email from the DWP, informing them that it is not a genuine application, that they realise they have been tricked. This obviously leaves them very vulnerable to such crimes as identity theft."

PC Wyke added: "We know there will be many people struggling to find work at the moment due to the impact of the pandemic, so it's really sickening that these criminals are exploiting people who find themselves in this situation.

"We are also aware of reports of other fraudulent job advertisements, not just for 'Apex Pharmacy', so if you are applying for jobs online at the moment, please do make sure you double check the ads are genuine before sending away any of your personal details."

If you think you have been a victim of a job advert scam, get in touch with Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report online at actionfraud.police.uk.

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