Don’t Fall for the Fake Harvey Alexander Job Offer Scam Stealing Money
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
Finding a job can be difficult, which is why a text or email offering an amazing job opportunity seems enticing. But what if that dream job is actually a scam designed to steal your money and personal information? Unfortunately, fraudulent job offers are a common scam preying on eager job seekers. One such scam invokes the name of the legitimate UK recruitment agency Harvey Alexander to lend credibility to the fake job offer. If you receive a text or message offering a Harvey Alexander job opportunity, proceed with extreme caution as it’s likely a scam.
This article contains:
Overview of the Harvey Alexander Job Scam
The Harvey Alexander job scam starts with a text or social media message offering a work-from-home job opportunity. The message claims to be from a recruitment consultant at the prominent UK staffing agency Harvey Alexander.
The text will say something like:
“Good day, this is Clara calling from Harvey Alexander Recruitment. We have an exciting job opportunity that suits your background. This is a full-time remote customer service role with excellent pay. Please get back to me so we can discuss further details.”
This message is designed to get your attention with promises of easy remote work for great pay. If you respond, the “recruiter” will seem very interested in you, asking lots of questions to get personal details. They’ll claim the job is yours if you want it.
Too good to be true? Absolutely. This fantastic job offer is just a scam to steal your money and information. The texts do not actually come from Harvey Alexander Recruitment. Scammers are impersonating real recruiters to trick unsuspecting job seekers.
Scammers Leverage Harvey Alexander’s Reputation
Harvey Alexander is a large, reputable recruitment agency operating in the UK since 1992. They specialize in finance, technology, and legal staffing services. Harvey Alexander has a strong brand reputation built over 30+ years in business.
Scammers leverage the company’s good name and reputation to make the job offers seem legitimate. Using Harvey Alexander adds credibility so victims trust the “recruiter.” People are more likely to think the job offer is real if it seems to come from an established agency.
No Actual Job Exists
The appealing remote customer service position does not exist. Everything about the job offer is completely fake. Scammers fabricate an ideal work-from-home job to entice recipients.
They know people desperately want flexible, well-paid remote work. By pretending to offer such a job, the scammers can manipulate victims much easier.
Goal is to Steal Money and Personal Information
These fake Harvey Alexander recruiters have no intention of actually hiring anyone. The true goal is to trick victims into handing over money and sensitive personal data.
Once someone expresses interest in the “job opportunity”, the scammers will collect information like full name, address, phone number, resume details, and banking info. This valuable data can be used in identity theft or sold to other criminals.
The scammers will also convince victims to pay various “fees” related to background checks, training, or equipment. After sending money, the job seeker never hears back from the “recruiter.” Any additional money requests are met with silence or excuses.
This is when victims realize there is no job and they’ve been scammed. But by then, the scammers have already accomplished their goals of stealing money and personal information.
How the Harvey Alexander Employment Scam Works
Scammers execute the Harvey Alexander job scam through a few simple steps. Here is an outline of how the deceptive scam typically operates.
Step 1: Initiate Contact Posing as Recruiter
The first step is to make unsolicited contact with potential victims. The scammers send texts or social media messages presenting the fake job offer.
By posing as recruiters from Harvey Alexander, they imitate a trusted authority to gain credibility. The message invites recipients to apply for a customer service role with flexible hours and high compensation. This entices people to respond to “discuss” the opportunity.
Step 2: Ask Questions to Collect Personal Information
If someone expresses interest, the fake “recruiter” will continue the conversation. They’ll ask the victim for personal details like full name, email, phone number, and resume.
Claiming they need to “verify credentials”, they’ll request things like:
Home address
Date of birth
Banking information
Work history
References
This gives them valuable personal data to exploit or sell. As they collect more info, the scammers strengthen the illusion of a legitimate recruitment process.
Step 3: Make Fake Job Offer & Request Fees
Once the scammers obtain enough personal information, they formally offer the job. To convince victims it’s a real opportunity, they fabricate convincing details like:
Job title
Salary
Benefits
Training program
Shortly after the fake offer, the “recruiter” will say fees must be paid to proceed. These fees give an urgent reason for victims to send money quickly. Examples of fake fees include:
Background check fee
Equipment purchase for home office
Mandatory training program
Of course, there are no real fees. Any money sent will go straight into the scammer’s pockets.
Step 4: Cut Off Contact After Getting Money
The scammers will disappear after receiving any funds from the victim. Additional money requests will be met with silence or lies about delays.
At this point, the victim realizes something is wrong. They’ll try to contact the “recruiter” but get no response.
Once the scammers get the fees they want, they drop all communication. They take the money and personal data and move on to repeat the scam on new victims.
Red Flags to Recognize This Employment Fraud
Savvy job seekers can avoid this scam by watching for these common red flags:
Unsolicited contact about a job opportunity. Legitimate recruiters wait for you to apply.
Vague initial message with few details about the role. Scammers won’t know specifics about a fake job.
Pressure to act fast on an offer without proper interviews. Real hiring takes time.
Requests for sensitive personal and banking information. Recruiters don’t need this upfront.
Asks you to pay for your own background checks, equipment, or training. Employers cover these costs.
Communication only via text/messaging. Professional recruiters will want to speak by phone.
Poor grammar, spelling, or wording. Scammers often come from overseas.
Recruiter disappears after getting fees. A real company would maintain contact.
Harvey Alexander says they are not recruiting for this role. Check with the real company.
Stay alert for these red flags in any job offer. Fraudsters exploit people’s eagerness to get hired. Don’t hand over money or personal data without verifying the recruiter’s identity directly with the company.
What to Do if You’re the Victim of an Employment Scam
If you realize you’ve been tricked by a fake Harvey Alexander job offer, take these steps right away:
Step 1: Stop All Contact with the Scammer
Immediately cease all communication with the fake recruiter. Block their number so they cannot contact you further. Reporting the phone number to authorities can help prevent others from falling victim.
Step 2: Call Your Bank
If you paid any “fees” to the scammers, contact your bank immediately. Reporting unauthorized charges fast can increase the chance of recovering funds. Ask to reverse payments on any checks, wire transfers, etc.
Step 3: Place Fraud Alert on Credit
Since scammers have your personal information, put a fraud alert on your credit. This makes it harder for anyone to open new accounts in your name. Alert the credit bureaus to monitor your reports for suspicious activity.
Step 4: Reset Online Account Passwords
Change passwords on all of your online accounts, especially financial accounts. Use strong, unique passwords to prevent scammers from accessing accounts with stolen password info. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Step 5: File Police Reports
File reports about the scam with your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission. Provide all details about how the scam occurred and any losses. Police reports help authorities track and stop these scams.
Step 6: Monitor Financial Accounts Closely
Keep close watch on all your financial accounts over the next several months. Scammers who have your personal data may attempt identity theft or steal money. Report any fraudulent charges or activity immediately.
Staying vigilant following an employment scam can help minimize damage from the ordeal. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from reporting the incident and seeking recovery of losses.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to Employment Scams
Avoiding job scams takes caution, vigilance, and common sense. Here are smart tips to keep yourself from being tricked by fraudulent job offers:
Research companies before sharing personal data with recruiters. Verify they are legitimate.
Confirm job offers directly with the hiring manager at the company before accepting.
Beware of unsolicited contact about job opportunities, especially via text/social media.
Scrutinize any urgent requests for sensitive information like bank details.
Ask detailed questions if an offer seems too good to be true. Scammers won’t know specifics about fake roles.
Never pay upfront fees for your own employment background checks or equipment.
Select strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect online accounts.
Shred documents with personal information before disposal.
Check your credit report regularly for any suspicious activity.
Search online to see if other people report a scam from the same phone number or company.
Trust your instincts. If something seems questionable about a job offer, it probably is. Do your own thorough research before providing personal data or money. Verify recuiters’ identities directly with their actual company before engaging.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Harvey Alexander Job Scam
What is the Harvey Alexander job scam?
This scam starts with a text or social media message offering a remote customer service job opportunity and claiming to be from Harvey Alexander Recruitment. The “recruiter” attempts to collect personal information and convince victims to pay fake “fees” related to background checks, training, or equipment. There is no actual job – it is a scam to steal money and personal data.
How do I recognize this scam?
Watch for these red flags:
Unsolicited contact about a job opportunity
Vague details about the role in initial outreach
Requests for sensitive personal information upfront
Asks you to pay fees for background checks, equipment, or training
Poor grammar, spelling, or wording
Recruiter disappears after getting money
Why do scammers use the name Harvey Alexander?
Harvey Alexander is a large, reputable UK recruitment agency. Scammers pretend to be from Harvey Alexander because it makes the job offer seem more legitimate. They leverage the company’s good reputation.
What should I do if I shared personal information with the scammers?
If you provided any sensitive information, take steps like:
Placing fraud alert on your credit
Resetting online account passwords
Monitoring financial accounts closely
This can help prevent identity theft and financial fraud.
What if I already paid money to the scammers?
If you wired funds or paid by check, contact your bank immediately to try stopping payments. File a report with your local police. Monitor financial accounts closely for any unauthorized charges. Unfortunately, recovery of funds is very difficult so it’s best to avoid sending money at all.
How can I avoid this and other job scams?
Tips to avoid employment scams:
Verify job offers directly with the hiring company
Don’t give personal info to unvalidated recruiters
Ask detailed questions if an offer seems too good to be true
Never pay upfront fees for your own background checks or equipment
Search online to see if others report a scam
What should I do if I get a text about a Harvey Alexander job?
Do not respond or engage with the “recruiter.” Instead, contact the real Harvey Alexander to verify if the job offer is legitimate. You can report the scam phone number to authorities as well. Ignore suspicious, unsolicited job offers.
The Bottom Line on the Harvey Alexander Scam
The Harvey Alexander job offer scam illustrates how false promises of employment can trick unsuspecting people. Scammers impersonate real recruiters to trap eager job seekers with fake opportunities.
They use texts and social media to establish interest in a too-good-to-be-true remote customer service role. After collecting personal information under the pretense of a hiring process, the scammers convince victims to send money for fake fees. Then they disappear with the funds and data.
This deceptive scam preys on people’s need for work and desire for well-paid, flexible jobs. The scammers specifically leverage Harvey Alexander’s stellar reputation in recruitment to make the ruse believable. But the job does not actually exist.
Spotting red flags like unsolicited contact, pressure for personal details, and requests for upfront fees can help avoid this scam. Verify every job offer directly with the hiring company. Never provide information or payments to unvalidated recruiters.
Understanding common employment scams makes it possible to sidestep them and find legitimate job opportunities. Always thoroughly vet any unsolicited job offers to protect yourself from fraud.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
