UK Job Seekers – Please Read (Important Scam Alert)

Talent by Study Smarter platform

Job seeker scam alert: we are aware that some UK candidates may be targeted by fake recruitment messages, misleading job adverts or people pretending to represent legitimate recruitment companies.

Job Board Direct will never ask candidates for payment, bank details, security codes or money transfers as part of a job application. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Job Board Direct, please do not respond until you have checked it with us directly.

Following our investigation, it appeared that our legitimate job adverts had been reproduced on the Talent by Study Smarter platform (talents.studysmarter.co.uk) without our knowledge or consent.

Looking at google searches locally we could see this company have been stripping job adverts directly from many clients websites where they were also advertising.

What is a job seeker scam?

Do the test yourself if you are advertising currently, just google search your job and I expect you will see this company have stripped your job and set up an account for your company and have been posting your jobs.

Here is an example of a random place I searched and second job down via Talents By StudySmarter and if you scroll more are there. – https://lnkd.in/egHArBmN

As a result, candidates were being directed to apply through a channel that was not authorised by us. We immediately contacted the platform and requested that all of our vacancies be removed.

While the website appeared professional and legitimate, we have since found multiple reports raising concerns about its practices and the collection of candidate data.

Job seeker scam alert: what candidates should know

If you have applied for one of our roles through talents.studysmarter.co.uk:

Be cautious of any unexpected calls, emails, or text messages
Do not provide any additional personal or financial information to anyone referencing your application
Monitor your email and accounts for any unusual activity

How UK job seekers can protect themselves

To protect yourself, always verify vacancies through a company’s official website, careers page, or trusted platforms before submitting your CV or any data that the website is asking for.

Ideally make a call and speak to someone in HR or a Recruiter, anyone that has no option to call I would be worried about.

Online recruitment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and even experienced job seekers can be caught out.

Please stay vigilant and share this information with others who may be affected. In this current market we know finding the correct role is not easy but please do not let scammers take advantage.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a recruitment message is fake?

Be cautious if the message asks for money, bank details, verification codes, passport details too early, or pressures you to act quickly. Genuine recruiters should be clear about the company, role and application process.

Will Job Board Direct ask candidates for payment?

No. Job Board Direct will not ask candidates to pay money to apply for a job or to secure an interview.

What should I do if someone claims to be from Job Board Direct?

Contact Job Board Direct directly through the official website before replying or sharing any personal information.

Can scammers use real company names?

Yes. Scammers sometimes pretend to represent real recruitment companies or employers. Always check the sender, website, email address and request before taking action.

You can view genuine vacancies advertised through Job Board Direct on our current jobs page.

Employers can learn more about our recruitment advertising packages and how Job Board Direct works.

You can also report suspicious messages or online fraud through Action Fraud.