Protecting Against Job Scams

We are aware of scammers using our name to target candidates on WhatsApp and Text Messages, and we want to be clear about what is happening and what you should do.

What's happening

Fake WhatsApp contacts are impersonating Daniel Owen recruiters and messaging candidates without warning. The messages typically tell a candidate they have been booked onto a training course and ask them to transfer money to a personal bank account before attending.

These accounts have no connection to Daniel Owen. No money should be sent.

How to spot a fake recruiter

If any of the following apply, it is not us:

• ❌ You were asked to pay money - for a course, a job, admin fees, equipment, or anything else.
• ❌ Payment was requested to a personal bank account (a real name, sort code and account number belonging to an individual).
• ❌ You received a job offer or course booking you did not apply for or discuss with a consultant.
• ❌ The message asked you to act quickly or warned you would lose your place.
• ❌ There was no prior relationship - you had never spoken to this person before.
• ❌ The contact used a Gmail, Hotmail, or other personal email address.

✅ Genuine Daniel Owen consultants contact you from an @danielowen.co.uk email address and will never ask for payment at any stage.

Not sure? Call us on 0345 810 1020 before you do anything else.

Why construction workers are being targeted

CPCS training is a genuine and routine part of working in construction. Scammers know this. By framing requests around a familiar, real qualification, they increase the chance that a candidate assumes the message is legitimate and acts without questioning it. The requested amounts tend to fall within a believable range for a training course, making the scam harder to spot at first glance.

How to identify a genuine contact from Daniel Owen

Legitimate email communication from our team always uses an @danielowen.co.uk email address. We never use WhatsApp accounts to manage course bookings or collect payment. We will never send you personal bank account details and ask you to transfer money.

If you are ever unsure whether a message is from us, call the office on 0345 810 1020 before taking any action.

What to do if you've received a suspicious message

1. Do not pay anything
Stop all communication immediately. Do not confirm any personal details or respond further.

2. Block and report on WhatsApp
Open the conversation, tap the contact name at the top, scroll down and select "Report" followed by "Block". This flags the account to WhatsApp directly.

3. Report to Action Fraud
Report online at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. You will receive a crime reference number, which is important if you need to recover money.

4. Contact your bank straight away
If you have already made a payment, call your bank's fraud line immediately. The number is on the back of your card. Banks can sometimes reverse payments when fraud is reported quickly.

5. Forward the number to 7726
Text the scam number to 7726. This is free on any UK network and helps mobile providers investigate and block the contact.

6. Report to the ICO
For repeated unsolicited contact, report to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint or call 0303 123 1113.

7. Let us know
Send a screenshot to web.enquiries@danielowen.co.uk or call 0345 810 1020. It helps us track activity and warn others quickly.

If your personal details were shared

If you provided bank details, ID documents or your National Insurance number, contact CIFAS to register a protective flag on your credit file. Free credit monitoring is available through ClearScore or Experian.

Unsure? Always feel free to Contact Us:

If you're ever unsure about a job application or process, please get in contact with us either by email or give us a call and speak to a real member of the team:

✉️ web.enquires@danielowen.co.uk

📞 0345 810 1020

🖥️ https://www.danielowen.co.uk/contact-us/