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How to recognize recruiting scams 

Addison Group
It’s hard to determine what job posts are real and fake, so we’ve laid out tips to help prevent you from getting tricked by recruiting scams.

Each year, around 14 million people in the United States and Canada are exposed to employment scams, resulting in an estimated $2 billion in direct losses.  

It’s often difficult to determine which job postings or recruiter messages are real and fake, so we’ve laid out some information to help prevent you from getting tricked.  

What is a recruiting scam?  

A recruiting scam is a type of fraud where someone falsely represents a job opportunity to deceive people into providing personal information, money, or other resources.  

Red flags to look out for  

A “too good to be true” offer  

  • Unsolicited contact is one of the telltale signs of a scammer. If you receive an offer that is high-paying and low-effort, this may set off an alarm in your brain that it’s too good to be a real position. 

The job description is vague  

  • Scammers may be vague or evasive when it comes to providing specific company details, job responsibilities, or compensation structures. If you notice this while reading the description, it may be a sign to look elsewhere. 

You’re asked to pay for training materials or offer personal information upfront 

  • No legitimate company would ask for payments or extremely personal information right out of the gate. Being asked to pay for training materials is an even larger red flag, as this is something a company should provide you with, not the other way around. 

The recruiter profile attached to the posting seems suspicious 

  • If the recruiter associated with the job description has no connection with the company itself, or their LinkedIn profile is missing a lot of key information – such as a profile picture or contact information – this may be a sign the job posting is sketchy.  

Unprofessional communication style  

  • Always check the spelling and grammar in a job post. If there are noticeable mistakes, this could be a possible fraud attempt.  

How to avoid potential scam attempts  

Cross check the job posting on the website 

  • Cross-checking the job posting on the company’s official website is a great way to prove an offer’s legitimacy.  

Confirm the email address 

  • Always check the email address that a recruiting attempt comes from. If it seems off or illegitimate, proceed with caution. It’s also important to not click on links provided in a recruitment attempt without checking for potential fraud.  

Ask direct questions about the position 

  • Ask the recruiter specific questions about the company and role. If they aren’t able to give you answers or they are super vague when replying, that may be a sign the position isn’t legit.  

Look for feedback  

  • Contact the company directly to confirm the job posting or offer. You can also ask current or former employees about the recruiting and interview process. 

By using these strategies, you can protect yourself from falling for a recruiting ploy. Always trust your instincts – if something feels off, it’s worth investigating further.  

Need help finding your next career? Addison Group can help. Our expert recruiters understand what it takes to find a new role and how to do it right. Visit our jobs page or reach out to us today to find the job that fits for you.