Job hunters could unwittingly be putting themselves at risk of identity theft every time they submit a CV online.
New research has warned that individuals who submit their CVs to potential employers and recruitment agencies over the internet could be leaving themselves open to identity fraud.
A recent experiment by iProfile, in association with the Metropolitan Police and the Information Assurance Advisory Council (IAAC), has highlighted just how unaware, and therefore vulnerable, the public are to the possibility of CV fraud.
In their attempts to raise the profile of this hidden crime, the CV company managed to attract 107 applications for a fake job, through a fake website; each of which contained enough information for a fraudster to use.
As part of the study an advertisement for an Office Manager position at fake company ‘Denis Atlas’ (an anagram of “steal an id”) was placed in a national newspaper during National Identity Fraud Prevention Week. Those interested were asked to apply by submitting their CV through the fraudulent website.
iProfile ensured that a simple search for information on Denis Atlas would reveal that the company didn’t exist. However, 68% didn’t carry out any kind of background check on the company, leaving their personal details open to abuse.
To ensure the validity of their results iProfile worked with reformed id fraudster Bob Turney who confirmed that, on average, the CVs received contained eight different pieces of information that could be used fraudulently.
Over 91% of applicants detailed their full address on their CV, with 57% including their date of birth and 19% putting others at risk by including full references.
Astoundingly, 61 of the CVs submitted contained sufficient information for a criminal to fraudulently apply for a credit card, while one application even detailed the applicant’s passport and national insurance number.
In response to these findings iProfile have warned that job seekers should always research the history of a potential employer before forwarding their CV. Furthermore, they also advise job seekers to leave their date and place of birth and marital status off their CV for added security.
Source
Comments (11)
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Many jobseekers need to be aware that by law they no longer have to submit their DOB on their C.V.'s.
It is also a stupid idea to put your national insurnace number on your CV since an employer does not need it unless you are actually working for them.
Palmer
23rd Oct 2008 15:30
You need not supply references along with the CV - only when asked, thereby protecting these people as well.
MONEY1st
24th Oct 2008 15:04
IS IT SAFE TO DO SO WITH TEMP SERVICES OR OTHER NAME BRAND COMPANIES
Elena Gomes
24th Oct 2008 16:44
Now, days, there are a lot of job advertsing on monster.com, and craigslsit.com, in which company names or location of the position is not being mentioned.
That alone says to me, that something is not right with the job posting, therefore, I stay away from those job postings.
Jennifer Rowland
26th Oct 2008 14:19
Please tell me then how an unemployed innocent person expects to get a job in this enviroment? all these agencies ask for precisely what thieves want, so what do you do?
It is sad, but true - I have encountered several companies, who have made first contact with me, and, even after threatening to send their contacts to federal authorities and report them as phishing scams, they still don't wake up to smell the coffee, and frankly, I say sorry about their luck if a federal investigator comes to their office or even their homes.
why cant companies recruit using their own secure
27th Oct 2008 02:27
why does goverment not regulate such activities as job clssified websites.
companies should hrie candidiates who register on thier own company secured private website only.
there are too many non regulatedwebsitesn on the internet already and no government rules and regulations to regulate such online business practises.
marc speziali
27th Oct 2008 14:27
be aware that i was duped last fall by one of these scams and had been arrested,convicted of a misdemeanor and put on probation for 3 years thanks to this fraud!am in the process of appealing it all but the costs are astounding for the legal help necessary to overcome this situation!
Richard
30th Oct 2008 19:32
Just what I need to hear. My CV has been blasted all over the net!
helmutemilfind@yahoo.com
1st Dec 2008 08:15
Thank you for this vital information.
i have just been offered a job by e-mail
never met the person.
all i have to do is give him my full address then i will receive a large check for me to take a weeks pay in advance then send the employer the rest by cash transfer.
sounds very illeagal to me
