Communications Strategist | Enterprise Social Media at American Honda | Content Strategy and Social Audio Thought Leader | Storyteller | Young Professional | Lifelong Learner | Friendly Human ??
#jobseekers BEWARE, and PSA based on something I experienced personally. I had a recent interaction with a “recruiter” that sketched me out, and screamed SCAM. At a time where so many are being laid off and looking for a new role, it pains me to know that job scams are happening. The last two red flags ?? on this list gave me the instinctual alarm bells to withdraw and cut off all contact. Disclaimer: I do not have concrete evidence and therefore will not name the recruiting agency, but at the same time I feel obligated to share these red flags ?? Please know that having one or more of these red flags doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a scam, but if you experience two or more, I urge you to take pause. ?? Company is in another country as you are based. ?? Recruiter asks for your date of birth and/or social security number before you even have a first interview. This information is not needed until you have an offer! ?? Job description is sent to you via email or direct message, and job posting cannot be found elsewhere. ?? Typos in said job description. ?? Different company referenced in job description compared to the company they claim to be recruiting/hiring for. ?? Position is for a short contract/temp to perm role ?? Vague information about how they found your resume/profile ?? Position is 100% remote, and they sell it as a big positive that you never have to visit the company’s headquarters. ?? Contact information you are given is different than the person you speak with/ multiple people from the same recruiting company reaching out to you about the same role ?? Hourly rate given instead of salary ?? Recruiting firm/company PRESSURING YOU to sign a document/get you submitted for the interview. In my experience they called me multiple times after I said I would get to it later in the day, and tried to claim they only had “one spot left” to shortlist candidates. ?? Company texting/ emailing you AGAIN even after you decline the offer to interview. I hope this list helps those who are #opentowork #HeatherHelps
Thank you Heather for sharing, unfortunately these scams have always been relevant and they take advantage of job seekers. First NEVER provide your SSN or date of birth to a recruiter. In the US, recruiters are legally not allowed to have that information, and in fact Do NOT need that information. You may provide this information on a secured company application, but this information is actually only seen by HR. There is an adage if it feels like its too good to be true, trust your gut. If something feels off, do your research. Look for their company employees on LinkedIn, ask to speak with additional individuals, etc. Protect yourself, the last thing you need is going through a scam!
Had five or more of the bullet points last week from one company offering $70,000 a year. They even sent a check for me to purchase my own equipment and software... I never cashed the check, cause the check wasn't even sent from the company. I read others had the same situation. Really sucks when you think this is great, and then this happens ?? Company is in another country as you are based. ?? Job description is sent to you via email or direct message, and job posting cannot be found elsewhere. ?? Typos in said job description. Vague information about how they found your resume/profile Position is 100% remote, and they sell it as a big positive that you never have to visit the company’s headquarters.
This happened to my nephew, and it was crushing to him (first “lead” out of college). Thankfully, we figured it as a scam before he gave out any crucial information. I might also add to look at the email addresses…No gmails, etc.
This is a very scary situation. It’s messed up that people are try to scam people looking for employment. Thank God you are sharp and saw these red flags Heather Epstein. You have mentioned the main red flags, I would just reinforce the following: - Anytime someone asks you for PII, (Personally Identifiable Information), it should raise a huge red flag ?? - It’s definitly a conocern when the company seems too new and hard to find on LinkedIn or even a website. - Anytime they seem desperate but also miss appointments and don’t seem to have their act together, that should be a red flag ??. Hope your post helps others out there catch these scams and put a spotlight on them. Thanks for sharing this Heather!!!
There are only a few things one really needs to know. Never give out your personal information in the first or even 2nd meeting with someone. This is also why I don't mind extensive multiple interviews in hiring processes. Scammers usually can't hold out for long term. Key red flags: Especially date of birth and/or social security number. Banking info or credit cards or buying anything The rest of the info doesn't really matter. Anything that seems too easy often isn't a real opportunity. Sumana Jeddy, MPH ??
Heather Epstein, glad you caught on quick and did not give him any personal info. When you are asked for your social security #, that's a 911 scam flag by a recruiter. I often give a talk called, "The Good, Bad and Ugly of Recruiting". Yep, this is part of the Ugly side of things.
Thank you Heather Epstein for alerting all jobseekers out there! I am very cautious when applying for a job especially if it's outside of the company's website. Even if I locate a job on a job board such as Indeed or ZipRecruiter etc, I will always search the actual company's website to see if the job is listed and if it matches what is on the job boards. It's crazy how these scammers take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable.
It's so sad that people are taking advantage of job seekers when they are vulnerable and seeking a new opportunity Heather Epstein.
Sadly I see this too Heather Epstein. Too often I intercept messages from people on social channels who think they’ve been hired when in reality they went through a fraudulent process and it had nothing to do with the organization. Some have gotten quite sophisticated. You sharing the red flags is wonderful to help others learn and learn to be alert to suspicious activities.
Communications Strategist | Enterprise Social Media at American Honda | Content Strategy and Social Audio Thought Leader | Storyteller | Young Professional | Lifelong Learner | Friendly Human ??
1 年Did I miss anything? Add your red flags in the comments.