Are You Being Offered a Genuine Skilled Worker Job in the UK, or Is It a Scam? Protect Yourself from Fraudsters
- stevepezza
- Sep 9, 2024
- 3 min read
Introduction
In recent months, many Turkish individuals have fallen victim to scams, losing their hard-earned savings in pursuit of false employment opportunities in the UK. This blog aims to highlight the warning signs of such fraudulent activities and equip you with the knowledge needed to detect and avoid these scams.
At English Visa Life, a Visa and Consultancy agency based in Ankara, we feel a strong responsibility to protect honest Turkish citizens from fraudsters. Our Directors have served in the British Government and have backgrounds in Visa and Law Enforcement.
Understanding the Skilled Worker Visa
A Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals to work in the UK for a licensed employer in a designated skilled job. It’s crucial to emphasise that acquiring this visa is dependent upon receiving a legitimate job offer from a recognised employer; you must secure the job before applying for the visa.
It's understandable that foreign citizens are eager to explore employment opportunities in the UK. Unfortunately, this eagerness is often exploited by fraudsters who deceive hopeful workers with false job promises, aiming charge fees without delivering on their commitments.
The Scam: Empty Promises and Exploitation
We have been alarmed by the increasing number of individuals contacting us for assistance after falling victim to scams. Woodcock Law in the UK explains how these scams work. The victims often share stories of being lured into paying money to fraudulent agents who promise UK visas, only to learn later that no application was ever submitted on their behalf. The allure of employment and the Skilled Worker Visa serves as a ploy; these fraudsters vanish with their hard-earned money.
Recognising the Warning Signs
While every case is unique, there are several warning signs that can indicate potential scams. Vigilance and careful consideration are essential when evaluating job offers. Here are some key red flags to watch out for:
The job opportunity was discovered on social media.
The person you’re communicating with identifies themselves as an ‘agent’ rather than the employer.
They request an introduction fee or commission for their services.
They claim you won’t need to pass an English test or prove your language proficiency.
They pressure you to apply for the visa through a specific person or company.
They react negatively when you question the authenticity of the role or the visa.
The agent insists on sending physical documents for you to sign or requires personal delivery to your home.
They introduce a separate non official UK government questionnaire and claim you’ve failed, demanding additional payments to correct the alleged failure.
The job offered is not considered skilled work.
You have not undergone a formal interview.
Guarding Against Scams
To protect yourself and verify the legitimacy of a job offer, follow these precautions:
Verify job advertisements on official and trusted websites or reputable media outlets. Ensure that official documents are sent electronically through recognized and secure platforms (e.g., Adobe, DocuSign).
Pay any government visa fees directly through the official UK Government website.
Refuse to pay any money to the employer; legitimate employers will not demand payment from potential employees.
Be suspicious of offers where the employer insists on using an in-house ‘lawyer’ or visa agent.
Confirm that the offered work is genuinely skilled labour.
Advice from the UK
The UK offers these practical tips for those seeking employment opportunities:
Request a copy of the prospective employer's valid sponsorship license, ensuring it displays an ‘A’ rating.
Ask for proof that the sponsor has paid the ‘Immigration Skills Charge.’
Insist on seeing a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) number before the visa application is submitted; only licensed sponsors can issue a CoS.
While the prospect of a job offer in the UK is undoubtedly exciting, it is vital to take a moment to carefully evaluate all the aforementioned points before proceeding.
Conclusion
This is not legal advice, but is guidance that you should consider. Be vigilant in your job search and trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself from fraudsters by staying informed and cautious. If you have any doubts about a potential job offer, please reach out to a trusted independent organisation, for advice and assistance.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only, and should not be taken as legal advice. Detailed and comprehensive research is completed but once published any commentary, quotes, societal direction and legal references may not be remain current and accurate. Subsequently, English Visa Life cannot accept responsibility for loss which may arise from information contained in this blog. For assistance in translating and certifying necessary documents, in addition to accurately reflecting your responses in English and cataloguing supporting documents please don’t hesitate to contact UK Turkey Life to assist in your application. English Visa Life is operating under a registered sole trader license, Izmir, Turkey.
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