Care UK has warned scammers are making “unsolicited and fraudulent” job offers to overseas workers in its name.

A Sky News investigation revealed overseas workers are being asked to hand over thousands of pounds to apply for roles with the company under the scam.

A Care UK spokesperson said: “We are aware of unsolicited and fraudulent job offers being made, allegedly from our care homes. If you are in any doubt of the legitimacy of an offer; we never ask you for money as part of a job application or send email from private email accounts.

“Our vacancies can be viewed, and applied for, on our web site www.careuk.com, or call our Recruitment Department on 0330 165 1330.”

Sky News revealed a 25-year-old woman was asked by recruitment agency Zidaan Consultancy to hand over £4,500 while applying for a healthcare assistant role supposedly with Care UK.

She paid an initial £500 registration fee and was told the remainder would be due at a later date.

The agency then arranged an interview with the woman claiming it was being carried out by a Care UK representative.

She was later told by the agency that she had been recruited for the role but when she contacted Care UK she was told they had no record of her application.

Caring Times called Zidaan Consultancy but received no response.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We do not tolerate abuse in the labour market and where we identify exploitative practices are being undertaken, we take action. The Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority also work with other law enforcement agencies to identify illegal working, including incidents being reported to Action Fraud.”