Text scam targeting jobseekers costs Aussies $8.7 million per year

Scamwatch is warning Australians to look out for recruitment scams, which cost Aussies $8.7 million in 2022.

The scam uses personal information from job recruitment sites to send jobseekers fake messages offering them high-paying positions for minimal work.

The texts include a link to a website or product they will ask you to purchase and then review for income.

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"If you are job hunting and you are offered work that requires little effort for a big financial reward it is most likely a scam," ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said.

"This might include repeatedly clicking a button on a website or app to purchase products or submit reviews."

This particular scam is known to target people between 25 and 44 years old. There were more than 3000 reports of recruitment scams in the last year.

Scammers will often impersonate hiring agents from high-profile companies or online shopping platforms. Some will also act as staff from well-known recruitment agencies.

"With many Australians looking to make the most of a highly competitive job market, we are urging jobseekers to be wary of opportunities that seem too good to be true," Rickard said.

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The ACCC says to be wary of job offers made through social media platforms, or messaging apps such as WhatsApp.

"Never make a payment or upfront investment to secure a job," she said.

"If you think you've been scammed, contact your bank or financial institution immediately."

If you fell victim to this scam, report it to Scamwatch here.