TheParagon-Education

Be Aware of Your Diplomas

Unfortunately another scam has arisen and is becoming a popular trend within the UK and third world countries.
Employers and rogue Employment Agencies, or I should say Agencies with rogue employees are now asking to see qualifications, diploma and certificates at their interviews. That in itself is not a problem as these organisations are well in their rights to confirm your identity and academic legitimacy. The problem arises when they ask you if they can photocopy your hard earned certificates.

Some employers and agencies are using specialised colour photocopiers, unfortunately, sophisticated enough to filter out the 'VOID' watermarks on University Certification and these can be used on other appropriate sensitive materials also. The scam does not stop there. Once copied, these certificates will be sold to individuals, or gangs in third world countries or even here in the UK.
These documents will either have your names 'doctored' with a new one or they may even be bold enough, to use your name and forge other documentation accordingly, (Identity Theft).

There is no real need for a company to take copies of your qualifications as long as you have shown them the originals, and they are satisfied with them. They can contact the appropriate Awarding Body or University if there is any doubt. If they wish for more time to authenticate them, You may, if you wish, (if there is a time factor) supply them with an appropriate 'Black & White' copy with 'COPY' written on them. Place the word 'COPY' in strategic places upon the page. This will make 'alteration' difficult.

Note: Never, lose sight of your certificates and always be present, when they are being photocopied. Remember, these can be scanned and again, be possibly altered, at a later date, so be warned.

Always ask for a receipt for itemised certificates, and any other item copied, this also helps to deter fraud i.e. Passport, driving licence, CRB etc. With dates and get them to sign for them. I would also suggest the following procedure to try and prevent identity theft: On the bottom of your CV, write the following statement:
"Proof of qualifications and testimonials can be provided at interview if required. B & W copies maybe taken on job offer, contract signing". (Anti-Fraud and Identity Theft International).

This will also deter them from calling you for interview for the wrong reasons. This will not put an employer off, if they are legitimate, as they are slowly becoming aware of this problem.
If they have doubts, you could always point them to this article.
Safe Job hunting.

Nigel G Wilcox

Scammers target jobless

JOB SEEKERS looking for their next employment have been warned of scams set up as fake businesses. People should protect their personal information when applying for a job with the same level of security as they would their ATM pin number. Identity theft could happen to anyone from senior managers to workers on a factory floor.

It's becoming increasingly common for unscrupulous operators to advertise job opportunities with the aim of stealing identities of those jobseekers who apply for the job. Sarina Russo Job Access has six tips for jobseekers to avoid unscrupulous con-men, posing as employers, from stealing your identity.

Avoid Job Interview scams:

•Use the internet and the phone directories to check a company's bona fides
•An employer only needs your name and contact phone number at the initial interview
•Ask about the company history, why are they recruiting and about training and induction processes
•Only supply bank account details after you start the job
•Observe the surroundings: does it look like a place of business? Does it have landline phones or just mobiles?
•Use a recruitment specialist who must vet the bona fides of all employers