Caution: GRTgaz false job offers scam

The people behind these offers make fraudulent use of our company’s name and our employees’ identities to contact people looking for a job, then convince them to disclose personal information and pay out money.

We want to alert you to this type of fraudulent practice and remind you that GRTgaz will never ask you to pay money in connection with its recruitment process.

You may receive a message with an unsolicited job offer, whether you are actively looking for a job or not, either for a specific position or promising that you will be quickly hired for an attractive, well-paid role.

In practice, the fraudsters impersonate recruiters by using the GRTgaz brand, the company’s address, an employee’s identity or the SIRET number. To make the job offer seem more credible, official-looking documents (work contract featuring the GRTgaz logo, job application form etc.) are send to applicants.

This false job offer scam is well-known. Sadly, it is something we may all have to deal with.

The technique is generally as follows:

1. create a false job offer on platforms such as “Indeed”;
2. collect the applicant’s personal data;
3. contact the applicant via email, text or using the “Telegram” app;
4. offer a job at “GRTgaz U.S.”, supported by a false letter of intent drafted using a GRTgaz letterhead;
5. request that the applicant pays $210 dollars that will allow them to receive a $5,000 (unfunded) cheque to buy remote working equipment.

GRTgaz’s cybersecurity teams are taking steps to minimise the consequences of this scam. In the meantime, it is important to exercise caution:

• Beware of any offer that seems too attractive. Don’t hesitate to discuss it with people in your network or an employment professional.
• Never send your personal data (bank details, social security number, bank account or bank card) to a recruiter you have never met.
• Never pay money to a potential employer, whatever the reason given (potential employment contract or a pre-employment training course) or the method of transfer (purchasing prepaid cards or coupons, express international bank transfer).
• Never purchase equipment on behalf of the company and never agree to receive a cheque or a bank transfer for purchases needed to start your job.
• Exercise caution when a recruiter contacts you at an unusual time, or if they cannot meet you because they claim to be abroad.
• Take the time to carefully read all documents sent to you, and never sign a document without knowing exactly what you are committing to.

1. Immediately cut all contact with the fake recruiter.
2. Inform the body to which the personal data you have sent relates. If you have sent personal data (social security number, etc.), inform the body in question of the fact (Social Security, Pôle Emploi (French employment service), Health insurance company).
3. Inform your bank and keep a regular eye on your accounts. If you sent banking information, tell your bank about it and regularly monitor the movements of your bank account.
4. Keep any evidence,in particular telephone numbers, messages that you received, or any other information that may help you alert the authorities about the scam. Take care to save any emails that you may have received.
5. File a complaint with the police. Doing this will help you in the future if you are the victim of identity theft. 
6. Do you need more advice?
   To receive advice about what to do, contact the French Ministry of the Interior’s “Info Escroqueries” platform on +33 (0)805 805 817 (from 9 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. Monday-Friday, both the call and the service are free).