I recently sent my CV to an online recruiter called Nationwide Placements. I’ve since realised it is a fake company selling on personal details.
As a result, I am receiving multiple spam emails. What can I do to protect myself from identity fraud or other issues, now that I’ve shared my personal details in this way?
KQ, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
You found Nationwide Placements on the job-search platform Indeed where reviews tell a similar story. Instead of receiving details of suitable vacancies, applicants report being bombarded with phishing calls and emails.
The website strives to imply it’s pukka, with the Palace of Westminster spread across its home page and links to jobs with well-known brands.
Clearly, though, it prefers to harvest information than give it. An answer machine stated that no one was available to take calls.
Soon afterwards, the number was removed from the website, leaving only a web form as a contact. There’s no address and my message vanished into the ether.
Indeed says it has removed the company’s ad and reported it to SAFERjobs, which supports jobseekers and agency staff who are victims of fraud.
The company appears to be based in Bracknell and Trading Standards says it is aware of it but can’t comment “due to ongoing inquiries”.
You should flag up your concerns to the Information Commissioner’s Office which enforces data protection and investigates whether individuals’ personal information has been misused.
Meanwhile, ensure you have changed all your online passwords so your accounts can’t be accessed and run a check on your credit reports, which will be among the first indicators as to whether you have fallen victim to ID fraud.
If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number.
