How to look out for recruiter impersonators

Our top priority is to ensure the safety and security of our candidates' personal data. Recently there has been a rise in the number of unethical individuals impersonating recruiters and using fake job adverts to deceive and defraud job seekers across the industry. Their ultimate goal is to trick candidates into sharing personal information or even making payments. Rest assured, our systems remain uncompromised and have not fallen victim to any hacking attempts. In this article, we'll share tips on how to identify and avoid recruiter impersonators to help protect yourself from recruitment scams.

Be wary of unsolicited job offers

One of the primary objectives of recruiter impersonators is to deceive job seekers into believing they have exclusive access to high-paying or rare job opportunities. To avoid falling victim to such scams, independently verify the existence of the job opportunity. Conduct a web search, check with the company mentioned, and verify the position through official channels. If the opportunity seems too good to be true or lacks verifiable information, verify the recruiter's credentials and the legitimacy of the job. By ensuring that the job offer is legitimate, you protect yourself from scams and the possibility of sharing your personal information with strangers. So, always be extra cautious and do your due diligence before proceeding with any job offer, especially if it's unsolicited.

Do your research

Before engaging with a recruiter, research the recruiting agency to familiarise yourself with its reputation, history, and years of experience. A trustworthy recruiting agency will have an established online presence, industry recognition, and a job board section on its website. On our website we have consultant profiles, so it’s worth checking these out too.

Watch out for requests for personal information

Be cautious if a recruiter immediately asks for personal details like your social security number, bank account information, or copies of official documents. Legitimate recruitment processes usually involve background checks and documentation, but these requests should come at later stages, not during initial contact. We will never ask for sensitive personal information over SMS or WhatsApp. Moreover, it's important to remember that a reputable recruitment agency will never ask candidates to pay for the job opportunity!

Check for communication red flags

Recruiter impersonators often rely on SMS, WhatsApp or email to initiate contact. While this is not inherently suspicious, it's crucial to stay vigilant and look out for warning signs. Be cautious if the communication comes across as unprofessional, has excessive use of jargon, or inconsistencies in the information provided. Legitimate recruiters strive for clear and professional communication, so any deviations should raise concerns.

Trust your instincts

Never underestimate the power of intuition. If something feels off or raises suspicion during your interactions with a recruiter, listen to your gut feeling. Fraudsters may employ persuasive tactics or create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making impulsive decisions. Remember, legitimate recruiters will respect your need for time and will provide all the necessary information to make an informed choice.

Report suspicious activity

If you suspect that something isn't right, take action and protect yourself by immediately discontinuing interactions with an unverified recruiter. Contact us and let us know about the suspicious activity.

UK:

You can report SMS scams by forwarding them to 7726 - a free reporting service. If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Read more about reporting scams in the UK here.

USA:

Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the scam online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Read more about reporting scams in the USA here.

GERMANY:

Remembering these tips will help you recognise and avoid recruiter impersonators and recruitment scams. When it comes to your job search, it’s best to be cautious and protect yourself. By knowing what to look out for, you can stay safe and focus on legitimate opportunities that will help you take the next steps towards your career goals.