The Security Industry Authority (SIA) have recently warned of a sharp increase in fictitious security companies advertising security jobs online and asking for training or licensing fees to be paid in advance.
This increase in these online fraudsters comes in a direct response to the rapidly changing distribution model for recruitment. The rapid evolution online for recruiters who understand online sourcing are giving potential job candidates the confidence to identify and respond to opportunities online without really thinking about the risks!
How can you tell it is a fraudster Company?
Firstly, no legitimate security or company would ask for payment to an anonymous money transfer account. But, if you are unsure, here is our own list of checks we recommend you make when considering any job advertisement.

Checklist
- Do the contact details provided include a company email or a personal email address?
- Have you actually spoken to a representative of the company?
- Does the company have a website detailing its business?
- Is the office address provided genuine in the correspondence?
- Is the company asking for payment by anonymous money transfer?
- Have you checked that the company is registered on the Companies House website https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/?
What do you do if you believe the company is fraudulent?
First and foremost, if you believe a security company may not be genuine do not make any payments upfront. Instead, report the security company to the SIA. You can contact them easily through their website www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/pages/enforcement-reporting.aspx.
If you are confident that your suspicions are correct, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Remember, if you are a victim of fraud, you should always contact your local police force.
How EndeavourUK can help!
EndeavourUK work with a number of Security & Enforcement companies, offering up-skilling and new career courses to support this regulated industry.
Our accredited courses are developed to improve the quality, standards and consistency within the industry – with our Managing Director, Chris Lucas-Jones designing the only Level 3 Enforcement Agent Endorsed Training Course with Highfield Awarding Body of Compliance (HABC).
Our other services include:
- DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) – http://www.endeavouruk.com/courses/em01-dbs-check-service
- CCJ Checks for every address lived in for 6 years (up to 6 checks)
- Administration of the enforcement agent application to court.
More information about our Enforcement Agent courses can be found here:
http://www.endeavouruk.com/courses/industry/security-and-enforcement