The World Employment Confederation, the global body representing the staffing industry, today issued a warning about an increase in individuals posing as staffing firms. Job seekers are being contacted by individuals impersonating well-known staffing firms or job boards with tempting offers, according to the WEC.

The trick is to ask job seekers to make an upfront payment to cover a permit or other service with a promise to be repaid, according to WEC.

Citing a report by AI cybersecurity firm CloudSEK, the WEC noted the scam has already squeezed an estimated €100 million ($108.3 million) from thousands of victims worldwide. According to the organization, job seekers are harmed, and the fraud risks the professional and ethical reputation of legal and legitimate staffing firms, many of which are WEC members.

“No WEC member would ever charge directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, any fees or costs to job seekers and workers for the services directly related to temporary assignment or permanent placement,” Denis Pennel, managing director of the World Employment Confederation, said in a press statement.