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Avoid fake mining jobs website urges Consumer Protection

Staff WriterMidland Kalamunda Reporter

OPPORTUNISTIC scammers are taking advantage of the downturn in WA’s mining sector by targeting unemployed miners using a fake jobs website.

Consumer Protection WA warned the fake website www.miningjobswa.org is mimicking a legitimate employment website www.miningjobswa.net.au and is using an ABN stolen from an Australian company with a similar name.

The Subiaco address used by the scammers is not a business premises, but a recreational park and the bogus website remains active despite efforts by Consumer Protection to have it closed down.

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Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said job seekers needed to be aware of fake websites that offer attractive job opportunities but only want to steal people’s money and possibly their identity.

“Already we have received a report of a potential applicant losing a few hundred dollars when asked to pay fees associated with their job application on this site,” Mr Hillyard said.

“These callous scammers are attempting to rip-off job seekers who are likely to be in a vulnerable financial position and can least afford to be losing money.

“They may also be asked to divulge their personal information and send a copy of their passport for identification purposes.

“This opens the possibility of identity theft in the future.

“While this warning is specific to the miningjobswa.org website, there will be other fake sites on the internet, now and in the future, that are attempting to target job seekers.

“There are also many fake job advertisements being posted on legitimate sites such as Gumtree and Seek.

“The number of reports and total losses from employment scams is increasing so we want to make sure that people are aware of the traps and their desire to find a job won’t lead them to become a scam victim.”

Employment and recruitment agents in WA must be licensed and are not permitted to charge job seekers for their services; they can only take fees from the employer.

For more, visit the Consumer Protection website or WA ScamNet.

Avoid job scams – Be suspicious and carry out research – Only use licensed job agents (CP website has list) – Guard personal information – Do not pay money upfront to secure a job