Professional Passport is warning recruiters of a surge in sophisticated
cloning scams. The latest trend involves fraudsters manipulating Certificates of Incorporation, displaying correct company numbers but with subtly altered company names that closely mirror legitimate providers. This sophisticated approach is designed to bypass standard verification procedures and can be particularly challenging to detect without thorough investigation.
Crawford Temple, CEO and founder of Professional Passport warns that the situation is becoming increasingly concerning: “We’re seeing an alarming rise in non-compliant operators who are going to extraordinary lengths to appear legitimate. These aren’t simple copy-and-paste operations anymore – they’re sophisticated deceptions that can fool even experienced professionals if proper due diligence isn’t conducted.”
The scammers’ methods have evolved beyond simple impersonation. They now create comprehensive false documentation packages specifically designed to mislead agencies and circumvent standard verification procedures. This development represents a significant escalation in the sophistication of financial fraud within the recruitment sector.
Temple emphasises the critical need for enhanced verification procedures: “It’s absolutely essential that recruiters conduct forensic reviews of all documentation provided by payment intermediaries,” he says. “This isn’t just about basic checks anymore – it’s about understanding that every detail matters. Verify company numbers on Companies House, cross-reference bank account names, and if anything seems even slightly awry, investigate further. The whole supply chain needs to work together to combat these illegal practices, as the consequences of falling victim to these scams can be catastrophic.
“If a recruiter has any concerns, please contact us as we hold verified banking details of all accredited providers and can confirm a provider’s legitimacy,” Crawford adds.
