RESIDENTS seeking new employment are being urged by police to be “careful” when responding to contact from recruiters.

It comes amid rising reports that scammers are targeting people looking for jobs by pretending to be from recruitment agencies that do not exist.

Greater Manchester Police are calling on residents to check any documents received for poor spelling and grammar.

Job seekers applying to prospective roles outside the UK are meanwhile being told to contact the associated Embassy to review how to obtain a visa and understand what the associated costs may be.

Job hunters are also being urged to use official sources to confirm that the organisation offering the position exists and being advised to contact companies directly to confirm the job adverts are genuine.

Applicants should also make their own travel arrangements and beware of an employer who attempts to dissuade them. Email addresses from @Yahoo or @Hotmail accounts should also be regarded as suspicious, according to police.

Residents who suspect they have been a victim of fraud should report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk