Fair Work Ombudsman imposters on the loose: Four ways to spot them

The Fair Work Ombudsman has warned businesses to watch out for phony Fair Work ombudsmen.

The FWO said it had recently received complaints from people about companies who look like they are part of, or acting for, the authority.

The FWO issued a statement to businesses entitled “Beware of Imitations”, alerting them to the imposters.

“They generally ask people to sign up for information about their workplace obligations,” the FWO said in the statement.

“This is often an expensive contract for workplace advice.”

A spokesperson for the FWO told SmartCompany it was continuing to conduct inquiries in relation to complaints received from people about companies who look like they are part of, or acting for, the Fair Work Ombudsman.

“As these inquiries are ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment further on them at this time,” the spokesperson said.

“Any person with queries or concerns should contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance.”

If you do think you have encountered an imposter, the FWO has set out four ways you can spot a fake ombudsman representative.

1. Price

The FWO’s information, advice, tools and resources are free: “If someone is trying to charge you for information, it’s not us,” the FWO warns.

2. They try to redirect you

The FWO gives information to everyone, no matter who they are: “If you’re being redirected to a different phone number or website because you’re an employer or an employee, it’s not us.”

3. No Australian Government crest or logo

The FWO is a government statutory office which means its jurisdiction is set out under legislation: “The Australian Government crest and logo is on our website and on our printed material – if it’s not there, it’s probably not us.”

4. An unfamiliar phone number or website address

The FWO’s phone number is 13 13 94 and its website is www.fairwork.gov.au: “If you’ve called another number or visited a different site, it’s not us.”