Recruitment Fraud: Increased opportunities for exploitation in times of uncertainty?

ABSTRACT

Recruitment fraud uses the guise of a genuine job opportunity to lure potential victims into paying 'fees' directly or sending sensitive personal information (driver's licence, bank account details, passports, etc.). Those who comply can expose themselves to a range of consequences, including fraud, identity theft and money laundering. Victims of fraud more generally face challenges in accessing justice through the fraud justice network of police, consumer protection organisations and banks. However, those targeted by employment schemes are often less visible and might be more marginalised than those who experience other fraud victimisation. In 2020, the emergence of COVID-19 plunged the world into an extraordinary level of uncertainty. Millions found themselves unemployed or underemployed due to the lockdowns and physical distancing restrictions introduced to control the virus, creating a bountiful environment for offenders to effectively target potential victims of recruitment fraud and increasing the vulnerability of a larger proportion of society to such schemes. This article details the contours of recruitment fraud. The paper advocates a research agenda promoting a better understanding of fraud victimisation in this context. Ways to effectively disrupt or prevent fraud are outlined to reduce levels of victimisation and harm into the future.