How can you tell if a business is legit?

[StrongCoffeAvalanche]

I've always worked in doctors offices and similar so far. So always somewhere I can go in person and have never had to query.

I stumbled across an online job opportunity online the other night which sounds perfect - good pay and fits in around my lifestyle. Started filling in their online questions (qualifications etc) and I've been offered an interview. But I now need to upload passport and proof of address etc, and of course eventually bank details for when they will pay me.

But it suddenly dawned on me, I don't know if this is a legit business, or a scam? It seems legit, very professional website etc. but is there a way I can find our for sure?

Hopefully this isn't too daft a question, but better safe than sorry!

I don’t think it’s normal to need to send ID documents until you actually start. Never had to send proof of address but Photo ID is required.

I wouldn’t be keen on sending this info before interview tbh. But it might depend on the industry.

Ps the job application website might be professionally done but what about the website of the actual employer?

Is it an agency that wants the ID docs. That would make more sense

Doesn’t sound right. Have you spoken to anyone there? I’ve only ever needed to show ID at the interview. Not upload it beforehand. And DEFINITELY not bank details!!

I usually check if they're listed on Companies House if a limited company.

Have you looked on Companies House website?

Thanks @Frazzled2207. I sort of felt like maybe I've already got the job based on my cv and qualifications and maybe the interview is just a formality. But then I felt a bit uncomfortable uploading all of this info to a company I've never heard of before

Search companies house, search the website address at Whois or nominet. What email address are they using?
Any business other than a one man band trade that is using gmail or yahoo should be avoided.

Increasingly id and right to work is checked prior to a job offer. If the interview is via Zoom or Teams you may have to show the original copies on screen then. Sensible to do basic research though.

Can you find an address? Does it check out on street view? Does the website and email details you find when you Google the company name match up with what you've been sent?

Employers do need to check whether interviewees have the right to work in the UK before offering jobs - the penalties are harsh if they don't - so the passport and address thing would be necessary if it was legit.

Oooh thanks @Mum090521 and @NiceTwin I've never heard of companies house before. Yes the company is listed on there

You need to Google the actual company. Re companies house - good to look but it won’t definitely be there - I run a 100% legit sole trader business which is not registered

Have a look at the privacy policy etc on the website. If it's reputable it should give you details of any Ltd company name so you can cross check on Companies House or other details you can check.

Yes if I Google it all the details come up and they have a company Facebook group which has around 300 followers and loads of photos of staff working there and career fairs etc.

I feel a bit better for posting here!

I get the impression they're suddenly short staffed, and so have a gap to fill asap.

But also I feel nervous uploading such documents online...if it were in person I'd feel much better? I have a zoom interview and have to hold up the documents during that also.

Do they have a physical address? Customers? Reviews? Other employees on LinkedIn?

@Paq

Do they have a physical address? Customers? Reviews? Other employees on LinkedIn?

Looking for other employees on linked in is a good idea

Check their actual accounts on Companies House and who owns it, how long it’s been running for.

Also check Glassdoor for employee reviews. Good luck!