Impersonation
Fake Job Recruiter Scams
Scammers posing as recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn contact you about a fake job opening to steal your personal information.
How It Works
- You receive a message on LinkedIn or an email from someone claiming to be a recruiter for a well-known company.
- The job opportunity seems perfect and tailored to your profile.
- The "recruiter" may conduct a brief, informal interview via chat.
- To proceed, they ask you to fill out an "application form" on a non-official website or a Google Form, which asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and sometimes even bank details for "payroll setup."
- The data is used for identity theft, and the job never existed.
Red Flags
- The recruiter's email address does not match the company's official domain (e.g., `company-careers@gmail.com` vs. `careers@company.com`).
- The application process is unprofessional or conducted entirely over a chat app.
- The job description or salary seems too good to be true.
- Requests for highly sensitive information early in the process before a formal offer is made.
Prevention Tips
- Verify the recruiter's identity by checking their LinkedIn profile for history and connections. Be wary of new or sparse profiles.
- Cross-reference the job opening on the company's official careers page.
- Never provide your SSN or bank details on an initial application form.
- A legitimate hiring process will involve multiple formal interviews, often including video calls.
Example Scenario
"A "Google recruiter" messages you on LinkedIn about a remote project manager role. After a short chat, they send you a link to a Google Form to "onboard" you, which asks for your full address, SSN, and a photo of your driver's license."