Problem:
Next, the "candidates are asked to write a trial report on a topic such as China's bilateral relations, the Indo-Pacific region, and related defense issues, or international trade," the alert reads. The fake recruiters then inform the candidates that additional reports need to include more privileged information, and the communication is typically moved to supposedly more secure platforms, such as encrypted messaging services. "Recruits receive anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per report, and may be offered more money in return for increasingly sensitive information. Payment methods include third-party payment platforms, such as PayPal, Payoneer, Zelle, Skrill, and Wise, as well as Western Union, e-transfer, and cryptocurrency," the Five Eyes say. Payments are typically received from the account of an individual who was not involved in the recruitment process. According to the alert, even unclassified information provided by candidates is likely collected and combined with more sensitive data. "Certain types of data can place the lives of frontline military or other personnel at risk, can weaken our economic prosperity, and enable interference in our democratic processes," the alert reads. Additionally, applicants risk the compromise of their personal information contained within resumes, and could face various consequences for disclosing classified information, such as prosecution for espionage, job loss, and security-clearance revocation. Need Assignment Help?