IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ – WhatsApp Scam
By
Diane Amey

There is a scam targeting recruiters and recruitment companies across the UK, so we have created a quick guide to reporting and blocking a scam.

WhatsApp Recruitment/Job Advert Scam 

Recently it has come to our attention that there have been a number of messages sent through WhatsApp impersonating recruiters or recruitment companies including White Recruitment. 

These are known as phishing messages. Like any scam, the impersonator is trying to gather information and data to use for malicious purposes. This is similar to a fake email or message from a bank or phone provider. 

Scammers are contacting people using various numbers on WhatsApp claiming to be White Recruitment recruiters for phishing purposes. These are not candidates or clients on our database, they are just targeting irregular phone numbers. 

It is important to us, that you are aware that:

  • White Recruitment will only ever request personal details through a phone call or email
  • Our recruiters will only contact you through WhatsApp once they have established a connection with your first
  • Most of the communication from White Recruitment, and our recruiters, will be via email, text or phone call.

The increasing popularity of WhatsApp as a business communication tool, has increased the number of scammers impersonating legitimate businesses on the platform. These scammers are trying to take advantage of White Recruitment's excellent reputation, and trying to trick contacts into sharing personal information, or worse, sending them money. Here's how you can tell the difference between a potential scammer and a White Recruitment Recruiter:

  • It’s a message that you weren’t expecting
  • It comes from a number or email address you don’t recognise
  • If it contains a link – please avoid clicking it
  • It offers unrealistic salaries or working arrangements
  • They are asking for money or personal details, such as your CV
  • The advert is poorly written and contains spelling errors

If someone contacts you on WhatsApp claiming to be from White Recruitment and it appears to be a phishing message or a scam, please block the number and report to WhatsApp and/or report the scam by forwarding it to 7726 – a free reporting service provided by phone operators.

  • DON'T reply to the message
  • DON'T share any personal information
  • DON'T save the number that messaged you
  • DON'T open any links in the message
  • DON'T call the number that messaged you

You can find out more information on how to spot phishing messages and what action to take on the Action Fraud website, please see more information here: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing 

Please reach out to us if you have any questions on 0330 333 5074 or info@whiterecruitment.com