In today’s competitive job market, fraudsters are exploiting vulnerable job seekers by asking for fees to carry out fake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. These are known as advanced fee scams, where criminals demand upfront payments for recruitment administration, including non-existent DBS checks, to trick job seekers into paying money and sharing personal details. January and February are peak times for such scams, as people often look for new jobs after the holidays.
It’s important to remember that genuine DBS checks are essential for certain roles, but they should only be done by organisations approved by the UK government as responsible bodies to process DBS checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This article highlights how to recognise legitimate DBS checks, avoid scams, and why these checks matter in specific industries.
Contents
What Is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a criminal record check that employers use to ensure potential employees are suitable for certain roles, especially in fields that involve working with vulnerable people. The DBS provides different levels of checks, depending on the job type.
- Basic DBS Check: This is available for any job and costs £18. It shows unspent convictions and cautions.
- Standard DBS Check: Costs £18 and is for roles like accountancy, law, and some types of healthcare. It shows convictions and cautions held on the Police National Computer (PNC), subject to filtering rules.
- Enhanced DBS Check: For positions like teachers or care workers, it costs £38 and includes local police information and relevant criminal intelligence.
- Enhanced DBS Check with Barred Lists: Also £38, this check is necessary for people in regulated activities, such as working with children or vulnerable adults, and shows if the person is on a list that bans them from certain types of work.
Why Are DBS Checks Important?
DBS checks are vital to ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and social services. For instance, before employing someone to work in a school or care home, it’s crucial to confirm they have no criminal history that could pose a threat to children or vulnerable adults. DBS checks protect the public and give employers the confidence that they are hiring safe and trustworthy people.
How to Spot a Fake DBS Check Request
Although DBS checks are important, not every job requires one. Unfortunately, scammers prey on job seekers by making fake requests for DBS checks. Here’s how to avoid falling victim to these frauds:
- Check the Eligibility Criteria: Not all jobs need a DBS check. They are typically required for jobs in education, healthcare, social care, and security roles. If your role does not fit these categories, but you’re being asked for a DBS check, it might be a scam. You can check online for job eligibility or contact DBS directly.
- Outdated Terminology: Be aware of old terms like “CRB check.” In 2012, the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was replaced by the DBS. Any organisation still using CRB terminology may not be legitimate. A genuine employer or recruitment agency will refer to the current DBS system.
- Check the Use of the DBS Logo: If a website or an organisation uses the DBS logo, it could be a sign of fraud. Only organisations registered with DBS can process checks, but they are not allowed to use the DBS logo on their websites. Be cautious if you see the logo being misused.
- Verify Who’s Processing the DBS Check: If the employer is conducting the DBS check, confirm their legitimacy by contacting DBS or Disclosure Scotland. In cases where an Umbrella Body is managing the check, make sure the Umbrella Body is registered with DBS. You can find a list of registered Umbrella Bodies online. If the organisation is not on the list, it may be fraudulent.
- Check with Industry Bodies: If you are applying for a job in a regulated industry, such as security, only specific bodies like the Security Industry Authority (SIA) can run checks. Any other entity asking for a DBS check or money upfront in such industries should raise red flags.
Stay Safe: DBS Scams and How to Protect Yourself
Fraudsters often ask job seekers to make payments through methods like WhatsApp or text messages, trying to create a sense of urgency. Stay alert and never share personal details or make payments without confirming the legitimacy of the request.
A legitimate DBS check can cost between £18 and £38 depending on the type of check. If a company asks for more or insists on a payment method that seems suspicious, investigate further. Always remember that DBS checks for legitimate roles must be processed by approved organisations registered with DBS.
The UK government has launched the Stop! Think Fraud campaign in collaboration with DBS to spread awareness about scams and to encourage job seekers to stay vigilant. Following the guidelines above can help you avoid falling prey to fake DBS check scams and protect your personal information.
Conclusion
DBS checks are a crucial step in ensuring safety within industries that work closely with vulnerable groups. However, with scammers exploiting job seekers, it’s important to remain cautious and only deal with legitimate organisations approved by the UK government. By staying informed and following the recommended tips, job seekers can protect themselves from fraudulent DBS check requests and safely navigate the job application process.