PSNI Supports Online Safety Campaign

The PSNI has said it is supporting a national campaign launched today to help graduate jobseekers avoid getting caught by online fraud.

Get Safe Online is a public private joint internet safety initiative that helps graduates stay safe when looking for jobs.

Figures from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau show that in 2014, the most defrauded jobseekers were between the ages of 18 and 25.

Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, said: "It’s a difficult time for jobseeking students as the statistics tell us that few of them will leave university or college with a job secured. The process of finding work in such a crowded environment can be frustrating and, for many, an element of desperation will set in. Unfortunately, these are exactly the conditions that scammers like to operate in.

"Given the emotional distress that can accompany a graduate job-hunt, and the fact that this demographic is likely to have very little financial security, these figures are a great concern. This is reflected in the data collected by the NFIB which records over a quarter of those scammed as having experienced significant negative impacts on their health or financial well-being."

Detective Chief Inspector Douglas Grant, from PSNI Organised Crime Branch, said: "Although PSNI has not received any complaints of such fraudulent activity in Northern Ireland, we would encourage jobseekers to follow the advice provided by Get Safe Online. Those seeking employment outside Northern Ireland where this type of fraud is more prevalent should be careful."

(IT/CD)