STATEMENT REGARDING FRAUDULENT JOB OFFER SCAMS

and Apps Purporting to be Related to Stagwell Global

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Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Advertisements and Scams

We know fraudulent job offers and recruiting scams exist. These scams often use the internet, social media, and messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to deceive job seekers. Scammers may pose as legitimate companies, including Stagwell, to steal personal and financial information or to trick job seekers into downloading malicious applications.

For example, although Stagwell Global has no connection to “StagwellTV South Africa,” scammers have misused the Stagwell name, logo, and even official-looking videos to create a false impression of legitimacy. Fraudsters may also use other variations of the Stagwell name. These fraudsters often operate under fake aliases and addresses, so please be hyper aware of the email domain who is reaching out to you (more on this below).

Here’s what we want you to know:

1). Be aware: Job scams target those seeking employment, often with false promises and fraudulent job offers.

2). Recognize the signs: Learn how to identify and avoid fraudulent recruiting tactics.

3). Verify authenticity: Only provide information if you’ve first confirmed the job you’re applying to is legitimate. To see the full list of jobs Stagwell is currently hiring, click here.

 

See below for reminders about how Stagwell recruits for positions so you’re able to more easily identify fraudulent recruiting advertisements:

  • No applicant for employment with Stagwell is ever required to pay any money as part of the job application or hiring process.
  • Stagwell never interviews job applicants through chat rooms (such as Google Hangouts), or through instant messaging systems. If someone tells you that they want to interview you for a job through a chat room, via text or instant messaging, they do not work for or represent Stagwell.
  • Stagwell’s job recruitment process involves in person and/or telephonic interviews and video calls.
  • Stagwell’s job recruiting staff sends email communications to job applicants from “@stagwellglobal.com” email accounts only. Any email that states to be from Stagwell but does not have a “@stagwellglobal.com” address should be assumed to be fraudulent.

Recognizing a Potential Recruiting Fraud

Even though Stagwell cannot predict all the ways scammers might operate in the future, the following is a non-exclusive list of warning signs of recruiting fraud:

  • You are asked to provide credit card, bank account number(s) or other personal financial information as part of the “job application” process.
  • The contact email address contains a domain other than “@stagwellglobal.com,” such as “@live.com,” “@gmail.com,” “@yahoo.com,” “@outlook.com,” or another personal email account.
  • The position requires an initial monetary investment, such as a payment by wire transfer.
  • The posting includes spelling or other grammatical errors that make the posting difficult to read.
  • You are offered a payment or “reward” in exchange for allowing the use of your bank account (e.g., for depositing checks or transferring money related to promised employment).
  • The job posting does not mention required qualifications and job responsibilities, but instead focuses on the amount of money supposedly to be made.
  • The job posting reflects initial pay that is high compared to the average compensation for the type of job.
  • The supposed “employer” contacts you by phone or through a chat room or instant messaging service and gives no way to call them back or the number they do give is not active or goes only to a voicemail box. For example, such supposed “employers” often direct that you “meet” them in chat rooms at specific times.
  • The job posting asks you to download an app purporting to be from the company.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

 If you encounter a suspected scammer, report it immediately. Your vigilance helps protect yourself and others from becoming victims of fraud. Ways to report the scam include:

  • File an incident report at http://www.cybercrime.gov,
  • Call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
  • File a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://ic3.gov
  • Contact your local police to report the fraud.
  • Contact your bank or credit card company to close your account and dispute any charges related to the fraud.
  • If you live outside of the United States report to the agency responsible for cybercrime in your country and report to local police.