Looking for work can be tough enough without scammers getting involved.

"Ealid Recruiters" brazenly contacted a job seeker after they had placed an advertisement on Gumtree seeking work. The scammer purporting to be from Ealid only gave an email address for contact.

The job seeker was asked to pay $65 for a police check then $350 for uniform rental which they paid via bank transfer.

The job seeker has attempted to contact Ealid via email and phone but they are not responding to them.

Ealid’s website does look like real enough too, however futher digging shows a few scammers tricks. WA ScamNet have put in a request to have the website disabled but it is currently still active.

The address on Ealid’s website "https://ealidrecruiters.com" only has listings for Carers WA, Helping Minds and The Carers Centre.

The images on their website have been poached from a management team for the company Roland Berger in Boston, USA.

Tips to avoid employment scams

• Do some digging – conduct a simple online search or phone call may be enough to confirm that a business, company or trading premises does not exist or is being impersonated.
• In Western Australia employment and recruitment agents must be licensed and are not permitted to charge job seekers for their services. They can only take fees from the employer. For your own protection only use licensed employment agents. You can search for a licensed agent on the Consumer Protection website.
• Report anyone trying to charge to find you work.
• Guard your personal information including your CV, tax file number and any proof of identity documentation, such as a scan of your passport. This is all the information required for criminals to commit identity theft.
• If you’re asked to pay money upfront to secure a job, whether it’s for training, equipment, transport or accommodation, don’t do it. It’s not normal industry practice and likely a scam.

You can report scams or ask for further advice by contacting WA ScamNet.