Recruitment Scam Alert: Fraudsters Impersonating MARPRO Group to Target Seafarers
The maritime industry continues to face increasingly sophisticated recruitment scams, and unfortunately, MARPRO Group has recently become the target of an impersonation attempt.
We have been made aware of individuals posing as MARPRO representatives through messaging platforms, using our company name, logo, and publicly available information to contact maritime professionals with fake employment offers.
In a recent case, a seafarer received a job offer via WhatsApp for a Third Engineer position on board a named vessel. The communication appeared professional at first glance and included vessel details, salary information, contract terms, and references to MARPRO’s official email address. However, the contact did not originate from MARPRO Group.
How These Scams Work
Recruitment fraudsters often exploit the trust that maritime professionals place in established recruitment agencies and shipping companies. By copying logos, company names, vessel information, and publicly available contact details, scammers attempt to create a false sense of legitimacy.
Common tactics include:
- Contacting candidates through WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, or other messaging apps.
- Offering attractive positions with limited screening or interview processes.
- Using real vessel names and IMO numbers.
- Requesting copies of passports, certificates, or personal documents.
- Asking candidates to pay fees for visas, medical examinations, travel arrangements, or administrative processing.
- Creating urgency to pressure candidates into quick decisions.
Important Reminder: MARPRO Does Not Charge Candidates
MARPRO Group does not charge candidates recruitment fees.
If you are asked to transfer money, pay for a job opportunity, visa processing, joining arrangements, or any other recruitment-related costs on behalf of MARPRO, this should be treated as a warning sign and verified directly with us.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Job Offer
If you receive a message claiming to represent MARPRO Group and you are unsure whether it is legitimate:
- Verify the communication directly with MARPRO Group.
- Do not send money.
- Do not share passports, certificates, bank details, or other sensitive information until authenticity has been confirmed.
- Take screenshots of the conversation.
- Report the account through the messaging platform.
- Forward the information to MARPRO Group for investigation.
Protecting Yourself Against Recruitment Fraud
The maritime sector is highly international, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals and identity-based fraud schemes. Seafarers and shore-based professionals should always verify recruitment communications through official company websites, company email domains, and known company representatives.
If an opportunity appears unusually urgent, promises exceptionally attractive terms without a proper recruitment process, or requests payment of any kind, additional verification is strongly recommended.
Help Us Stop These Scams
We encourage maritime professionals to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity involving the misuse of the MARPRO name, brand, or representatives.
By sharing information and raising awareness within the maritime community, we can help prevent fraudsters from exploiting job seekers and damaging trust within our industry.
If you have received suspicious communications claiming to be from MARPRO Group, please contact us directly via our official channels so we can investigate and take appropriate action.
Stay alert, verify before you act, and help protect fellow maritime professionals from recruitment fraud.
