DBS In Partnership to Tackle Check Fraud

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are working closely with SAFER Jobs to help prevent fraudulent requests for DBS Checks. 

There have been recent cases which have been brought to the DBS’ attention where people have been targeted by fraudsters who have asked them to pay upfront for their checks which have then never arrived.

Director of Safeguarding, Strategy & Quality at the DBS, Dr Sue Smith has commented:

“This sort of scam can be really distressing to those involved and we are keen to do all we can to prevent it. We will be working closely with colleagues in SAFER Jobs to raise awareness of the issue and advising people where to go for more support.”

SAFER Jobs was developed by the Metropolitan Police and is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to raise awareness and help prevent criminal activities that may be targeted towards those seeking a new role.

Chair of SAFER Jobs, Keith Rosser said:

“Recruitment fraud takes many guises including paying for background checks, identity theft, premium rate phone interview scams and even human trafficking and modern slavery. The public can fall for fake jobs advertised online or they can even be ‘head hunted’ by criminals finding their profiles or CV’s online.

We are proud of the impact we have had so far but there is still so much more to do to prevent job seekers from falling victim to fraudsters. It is great to be working with the DBS to help raise awareness of the issues and help reduce the number of people falling victim to this crime.”

4 million DBS certificates are issued by the DBS every year. Depending on the role that is applied for, applicants are eligible for one of the 3 levels of DBS checks available.

Basic Check:

This level of check is available to anyone in any role. A Basic Check reveals any unspent cautions and convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Buy Basic Checks

Standard Check:

This level of check is suitable only for specific trusted roles such as security guard for example. This check shows both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands and any other information that is held on the Police National Computer.

Buy Standard Checks

Enhanced Check:

An Enhanced check searched the applicant’s criminal history for convictions, cautions, warnings and reprimands with an option to check the applicant doesn’t appear on any barred lists. This level of check is suitable for people working directly with children and vulnerable adults.

Buy Enhanced Checks

Individual applicants can only request a Basic level check. Standard and Enhanced checks must be applied for by a company or organisation.

Dr Sue Smith added:

“If anyone is concerned that they are being asked unnecessarily for a DBS check or that the person requesting a check may not be a legitimate organisation, especially if they are asking for money, then they should get in touch with us or SAFER Jobs to discuss their concerns.”

To raise a concern on this issue visit:
www.safer-jobs.com or contact DBS Customer Services:
[email protected] or call the DBS helpline on 03000 200 190.

See our blog here for 5 ways to spot fraudulent requests for a DBS certificate.