Public Employment Scam Alert: How a counterfeit SEPE job listing targeted job seekers

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National Police officers in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria uncovered a fraudulent scheme on an official employment site where job offers were presented by impersonating a real person. The case centers on SEPE, the Civil Service Department responsible for public employment programs in Spain.

According to a SEPE spokesperson, Palm reported to the National Police that several individuals had visited a local office to display a counterfeit job announcement. The complaint detailed how scammers used a replica of the SEPE brand to lure victims and collect personal information. With the cooperation of multiple victims connected to the same regional office, authorities confirmed that the fraudulent postings appeared on various job portals, replacing legitimate SEPE listings. When users clicked the supplied link, they were taken to a document bearing official abbreviations and SEPE logos. This document requested sensitive data such as an identity document number and, alarmingly, bank details and a facial photograph. The manipulation aimed to create a convincing illusion of official legitimacy, pressuring unsuspecting candidates to disclose information they should not share online.

In total, as many as 1,500 individuals may have clicked the link and submitted personal data before the scam was detected. The National Police launched a formal investigation to determine the full scope of the incident, identify all potential victims, and prevent further harm. The investigation continues, with prosecutors and cybercrime units monitoring the situation and gathering evidence from affected users and digital platforms involved in hosting or disseminating the counterfeit postings.

Victims who believe they may have fallen prey to the scam are advised to visit the nearest National Police station to file a report. It is important to bring any evidence on hand, including screenshots, emails, or messages that show the fraudulent job offer, as these materials can significantly aid the inquiry and help recover or secure personal data that may have been compromised.

Safety advice

  • A government agency will never request personal data such as bank account numbers through web links. If something feels off, treat it as a scam and proceed with caution.
  • Official SEPE communications use the domain suffix @sepe.es. Any email from a different ending should be treated with suspicion, as it could be part of a phishing attempt.
  • Never click on links from unfamiliar messages that request sensitive information. They can lead to fake pages designed to harvest data or install malicious software.
  • When in doubt, contact the government agency through official channels before sharing personal information online. Verifying the source can prevent serious breaches of privacy and financial loss.

Experts from the National Police and SEPE remind the public that legitimate job opportunities will not pressure applicants to disclose bank details or identity documents upfront. The best practice is to verify the authenticity of a vacancy by visiting the official SEPE site directly, calling official numbers, or visiting a government service desk. By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, individuals can reduce the risk of falling victim to employment scams and protect their personal information for good.

For people who suspect they encountered a fake job offer, it is crucial to report the incident promptly. Early reporting helps authorities track the fraud, notify affected individuals, and strengthen safeguards against similar scams in the future. The ongoing investigation continues to map the fraudulent network and to implement additional protective measures across recruitment platforms and public employment portals. The collaboration between law enforcement and the national employment administration demonstrates a firm commitment to safeguarding job seekers and upholding the integrity of public employment services. [Citation: National Police, SEPE officials]

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