Governance · Public Guidance · DOC-ETH-001
NOVARIC® Fraud Awareness
Recruitment and mobility fraud targets hope. Know the signs, verify communications, and report suspected fraud using this guide.
Fraudulent Use of the NOVARIC® Brand
🔗Attempts have been made to defraud internet users through the unauthorised use of the NOVARIC® name and brand via email communications and graphics which appear, on the surface, to have originated from NOVARIC®.
In most cases the communications concern providing services and/or the sale of consumer goods over the internet where payment may be requested before the services or goods are delivered.
NOVARIC® does not request payment in this manner. NOVARIC® only collects money due for official NOVARIC®-related services and deposits or transfers to official bank accounts and never through third parties.
This security notice does not affect the obligation of clients to pay for services and/or goods where these are properly payable at the time of final delivery. NOVARIC® accepts no responsibility for any costs, charges or payments made which were improperly incurred as a result of fraudulent activity.
Official NOVARIC® Websites
If you are in any doubt as to the integrity of a website using the NOVARIC® brand, always access NOVARIC® websites via the officially registered and managed domains listed below. This list is derived from the server inventory of the NOVARIC® hosting infrastructure.
- www.api.novaric.al
- www.jobs-hub.novaric.co
- www.novaric.al
- www.novaric.be
- www.novaric.ch
- www.novaric.co
- www.novaric.co.uk
- www.novaric.de
- www.novaric.edu.al
- www.novaric.edu.mt
- www.novaric.eu
- www.novaric.fr
- www.novaric.me
- www.novaric.swiss
- www.real-estate.novaric.co
- www.sdg.novaric.co
- www.studyshkoder.novaric.edu.al
The channel verifier tool below checks input against the full technical domain register, which includes internal and subdomain records. The visible list above shows publicly accessible domains only.
Fraudulent Email
🔗Below are indicators that can help you assess whether a received email is fraudulent.
- Official NOVARIC® communication is always sent from @novaric.co, @novaric.edu.mt, @novaric.al, or @novaric.edu.al
- NOVARIC® never uses @gmail, @yahoo or other free email services to send official communications
- NOVARIC® never links to a website other than its own officially registered domains listed above
How to report a fraudulent email
From a desktop computer
Drag and drop the suspicious email into a new message and send it to admin@novaric.co as an attachment. Complete mail headers are required — they are not included in a forwarded message.
From a mobile device
Forward the message to admin@novaric.co. Where feasible, also send from a desktop as an attachment with full headers. Report the message as spam within your mail app so your provider can act.
Fraudulent SMS
🔗- SMS scams often include a shortened URL (e.g. starting with
https://bit.ly/) to conceal the final destination of the link - The sender number may not be visible; instead a generic name such as “NOVARIC®” appears — official sender names can be spoofed
- The phone number starts with a country prefix outside expected territories. NOVARIC® administration offices are located in: +355 (Albania), +356 (Malta), +49 (Germany), +33 (France), +41 (Switzerland)
To report a fraudulent SMS, send a screenshot of the message to admin@novaric.co and include the suspicious phone number in the message body.
Fraudulent Social Media Accounts
🔗Fraudulent accounts impersonating NOVARIC® have been identified across multiple platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram.
- The account lacks a verification badge
- The account attempts to move communication to an encrypted channel such as WhatsApp or Telegram
- The account is only a few weeks old with few connections or followers
- The account offers “free Visa”, “free flights” or promises to “double your investment”
- The account does not use an adequate profile picture (the approved NOVARIC® logo) or is missing a cover image
Report to NOVARIC®
Report the social media account URL, post URL or phone number to social.media@novaric.co.
Report to the platform
Where possible, also report the account or post directly to the social media platform using its built-in fraud-reporting tools.
Hacked NOVARIC® Accounts
🔗If you receive unexpected messages alerting you to changes in your account — such as address changes or password-reset notifications you did not initiate — it is possible that an attacker is attempting to take over your account.
- Log in to your account immediately and change your password
- Enable multi-factor authentication if not already active
- Review active sessions and revoke any you do not recognise
- Check email forwarding rules and recovery contact details
- If you have lost access, report the incident to admin@novaric.co
Forgery of NOVARIC® Documents
🔗The forgery of a document claiming to originate from or be authorised by NOVARIC® is a criminal offence in most jurisdictions. Common offences include:
- Forgery — making a false instrument with the intention that it be accepted as genuine
- Copying a false document
- Using a false document — presenting or relying on a forged instrument
- Using a copy of a false document
- Custody or control of false documents — possessing forged money orders, share certificates, passports, identity cards, payment cards or other instruments
- Manufacturing equipment to produce false documents
Legal definitions (for reference only — not legal advice)
Instrument includes any document, postage stamp, disk, tape, sound track or other device on which information is stored by any means. It does not include a currency note.
False: a document is deemed false when it purports to have been made in a form, or on terms, or altered by a person who did not in fact make or alter it in that way, or who did not authorise its making in that form; or when it purports to have been made on a date, at a place, or in circumstances that do not correspond to the truth; or when it purports to have been made by a person who did not in fact exist.
Prejudice and Induce: prejudice includes temporary or permanent loss of property, deprivation of an opportunity to obtain remuneration or financial advantage, or the opportunity to perform any duty. Inducement requires the intention that the instrument be accepted as genuine.
Identity documents subject to these provisions include designated documents, immigration documents, passports, documents used in place of passports and driving licences.
This summary is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not necessarily reflect the specific law applicable in Albania or Malta. For legal guidance, consult a qualified lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.
To report suspected document forgery, use the fraud report form above or contact admin@novaric.co and social.media@novaric.co. You should also report to your local police authority.
Warning Signs
🔗Recruitment fraud targets job seekers, workers and families by impersonating NOVARIC® and other trusted organisations. The following indicators should prompt immediate caution. No single indicator alone proves fraud; multiple indicators together significantly increase the risk.
What NOVARIC® never does
- Guarantee a job, visa, work permit, residency or admission outcome
- Request payment to a private individual or unverified account as a condition for securing employment
- Request sensitive documents through informal channels such as WhatsApp, Telegram or general email
- Send official communications from free email services (@gmail, @yahoo, @hotmail)
- Ask candidates to receive, transfer or hold money on behalf of the organisation
- Request remote-access software installation during an interview process
Official NOVARIC® email domains
A sender address using these domains does not guarantee authenticity. Legitimate accounts can be compromised. Always verify through an independently obtained contact channel if in doubt.
Official NOVARIC® websites
Official WhatsApp business number
NOVARIC® Nexus uses only these approved WhatsApp numbers. Verify before responding. WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy
Verify a NOVARIC® Communication
🔗Enter an email address, website, phone number or social-media profile to check against the current NOVARIC® official-channel register. Checks are performed locally in your browser — your input is not transmitted unless you submit a report.
Scam Risk Self-Check
🔗Tick any warning signs you have experienced. This tool provides educational guidance only and does not constitute a legal or forensic conclusion. Results are not transmitted.
Indicators checked: 0 of 16 —
Emerging Fraud Methods
🔗Fraud techniques evolve rapidly. The following methods are currently being used against job seekers and organisations in Europe and the Western Balkans. Verify any communication through a confirmed official channel before taking action.
AI-generated recruiter profiles
Synthetic profiles using AI-generated photographs and fabricated credentials. Verify any recruiter through LinkedIn’s official company page before engaging.
Deepfake audio and video
Technology can clone voices and generate video of real people. An interview conducted via video does not prove the participant is who they claim.
Altered PDF documents
Fraudsters modify legitimate-looking offer letters, contracts and invoices. Verify document IDs through the official governance hub before acting on any document.
Messaging-platform task scams
Unsolicited offers of online work through WhatsApp or Telegram, often described as “data entry” or “social media tasks”. Users are gradually manipulated into paying to unlock earnings.
Cryptocurrency employment scams
Initial tasks are paid in cryptocurrency; victims are later required to invest increasing amounts before they can withdraw fabricated profits.
Fake immigration services
Fraudsters pose as visa agents or immigration specialists, charging fees for non-existent services. Visa and permit applications are government processes.
Money-mule recruitment
Victims are unknowingly recruited to receive and transfer criminal proceeds. This is a serious criminal offence in most jurisdictions regardless of knowledge.
Malicious interview software
Interview platforms requiring unusual software installation can be vectors for malware. Use only widely recognised video platforms through official invitations.
Fake background-check services
Fraudsters direct candidates to pay for background checks through illegitimate services. Legitimate employers arrange verified checks themselves.
Compromised legitimate accounts
Real recruitment accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook or email can be taken over by fraudsters. Verify payment instructions or unusual requests through an independent channel.
Fake QR codes
QR codes can be altered or overlaid to redirect to malicious websites. Verify the destination URL before scanning in a recruitment context.
Remote-access-tool requests
Requests to install TeamViewer, AnyDesk or similar tools during an interview process are a significant fraud indicator. Do not install unfamiliar software on instruction from an unverified party.
Fair Recruitment and Legitimate Charges
🔗Recruitment must be lawful, transparent and respectful of worker rights. International standards established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) set out core principles that guide ethical recruitment practice.
- Workers should not be charged recruitment fees or related costs contrary to applicable law and ethical recruitment standards.
- Employment terms should be disclosed clearly before any commitment is made.
- Contracts should identify the correct registered legal entity and jurisdiction.
- Any payment request must be traceable and supported by a documented contractual basis.
- A candidate must not be asked to pay a private recruiter personally outside an approved corporate process.
- Government fees, visa application costs, travel arrangements and separately contracted training services must not be misrepresented as a guaranteed-job payment.
NOVARIC® does not request payment to a private individual or unverified account as a condition for securing employment. Any lawful fee or third-party cost must be transparently documented, invoiced by the correct legal entity and payable only through an approved channel.
References: ILO General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment · IOM IRIS Ethical Recruitment Standard. NOVARIC® is not currently IRIS-certified; the IOM IRIS standard is cited as an authoritative international reference.
Before Making a Payment
🔗If you have received a request for payment in connection with a NOVARIC® recruitment or service, verify every item in this list before proceeding.
| Item | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Legal entity on invoice | Must match a registered NOVARIC® entity: NOVARIC® Ltd. (Malta, C 63881) or NOVARIC® Sh.A. (Albania, M02111033E) |
| Invoice number | Unique reference; request confirmation from a verified NOVARIC® contact channel |
| Service description | Must clearly describe a specific contracted service; “placement fee” or “processing fee” without a contractual basis is a fraud indicator |
| Contractual basis | The payment must reference a signed agreement |
| Bank beneficiary | Must match the legal entity named on the invoice |
| Bank country | Verify that the bank country is consistent with the legal entity’s jurisdiction |
| Instruction source | Payment details received by email alone are insufficient; confirm via telephone using a number obtained independently |
| Refundability | Understand the refund terms before paying |
| Government vs commercial cost | Government fees are payable to the relevant authority, not to a recruiter |
| Conditionality | If the job offer is conditional on payment, treat this as a significant fraud indicator |
Document Verification
🔗Any document purporting to originate from NOVARIC® can be verified against the Governance & Knowledge Hub.
| Field to check | Where to verify |
|---|---|
| Document ID (e.g. DOC-ETH-001, N-DOC-10007-032026) | Search NOVARIC® Governance Hub |
| Issuing entity name and registration number | Compare with Locations & Legal Entities |
| Version and effective date | Match against the Hub record |
| Authoritative URL | Must be on an official NOVARIC® domain (see domain list above) |
| Approver name | Compare against published governance contacts |
If a document does not appear in the Governance Hub or its identifiers do not match, report it via the fraud channel below. Do not act on the document’s instructions until it has been independently verified.
If You Have Been Targeted
🔗Act quickly. The steps below describe generally recommended actions; they do not constitute legal, financial or technical advice. For urgent situations involving threats to safety, contact your local emergency services first.
Money sent
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately
- Request a recall or fraud-handling process
- Preserve all transaction details and communications
- Report to your local police
- Report to NOVARIC® via the channel below
- Do not send further money
Recovery of funds cannot be guaranteed.
Identity documents disclosed
- Stop all contact with the fraudster
- Preserve evidence before breaking contact
- Notify the document-issuing authority where applicable
- Monitor for signs of identity misuse
- Change credentials on any compromised accounts
- Enable multi-factor authentication everywhere possible
- Seek jurisdiction-specific assistance
Password or account access
- Change the password immediately from a trusted device
- Revoke all active sessions
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Check and correct recovery email and phone
- Review email forwarding rules for suspicious additions
- Notify the relevant platform
Remote-access software installed
- Disconnect the device from the network where safe
- Do not use the device for banking or sensitive activity
- Seek qualified technical assistance to audit the device
- Notify your bank if financial accounts were accessible
- Preserve relevant information for a police report
Evidence to preserve
Before breaking contact with a fraudster, preserve as much evidence as possible without putting yourself at risk:
Do not edit original evidence unnecessarily. Preserve originals in addition to copies.
Report Suspected Fraud
🔗If you believe someone is impersonating NOVARIC® or using the NOVARIC® brand fraudulently, report it here. You will receive a unique case reference and an acknowledgement email. Your report is routed to the NOVARIC® Legal & Compliance Division.
Industry References
🔗The following authoritative sources provide additional guidance on fraud awareness, fair recruitment and cybersecurity. These links are provided as references only. Their content does not override Albanian or Maltese law or NOVARIC® controlled policy.
| Organisation | Topic | Jurisdiction | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europol | Fake job advertisements and money mule recruitment | EU | europol.europa.eu |
| EURES (European Job Mobility Portal) | Fraudulent job offers — guidance for job seekers | EU | eures.europa.eu |
| ENISA (EU Agency for Cybersecurity) | Phishing, cyber hygiene and awareness | EU | enisa.europa.eu |
| AKSHI (National Agency of Information Society, Albania) | Cybersecurity alerts and digital guidance | Albania | akshi.gov.al |
| ILO (International Labour Organization) | General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment; definition of recruitment fees | International | ilo.org |
| IOM IRIS | Ethical Recruitment Standard for international labour mobility | International | iris.iom.int |
| FTC (Federal Trade Commission) | Job scams, text-message scams, impersonation and cryptocurrency fraud | USA (internationally relevant) | consumer.ftc.gov |
| Malta Police Force | Fraud and cybercrime reporting | Malta | pulizija.gov.mt |
| IETF RFC 9116 | security.txt standard for vulnerability disclosure | Technical standard | rfc-editor.org |
Publication and Revision History
🔗This page has a chronological history predating its migration into the NOVARIC® Governance & Knowledge Hub.
| Date | Stage | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy web publication — no formal version number recorded | Original Fraud Awareness information published by NOVARIC® at novaric.co/fraud-awareness/ | |
| Source revision | Existing guidance reviewed and materially updated on the source page | |
| Governance ratification | Content entered into the controlled NOVARIC® governance framework; approved and ratified | |
| Controlled web publication | Content expanded, standardised and migrated to the NOVARIC® Governance & Knowledge Hub using the Universal Governance Page Template |
Document Control Record
| Document ID | DOC-ETH-001 |
|---|---|
| Title | NOVARIC® Fraud Awareness |
| Status | Published |
| Classification | Public |
| Issuing entity | NOVARIC® Sh.A. · NUIS/NIPT M02111033E · Albania |
| Original publication | |
| Historical source revision | |
| Governance ratification | |
| Current deployment | |
| Next review | |
| Historic source | novaric.co/fraud-awareness/ |
| Authoritative source | novaric.eu/en/governance/fraud-awareness/ |
The Future Starts At The Endgame.™ · Published by NOVARIC® under document-control procedures. The HTML publication at the authoritative URL above is the primary controlled copy.