If you’re looking for a job, beware of recruiting scams that aim to swindle them out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Posing as recruiters from legitimate companies, the scammers target individuals they find on social media platforms, offering to do an online interview, often by text. To quickly gain a candidate’s trust, they may pose as a person you’re familiar with. They may even go so far as to send legitimate website information or LinkedIn contacts. Whatever the tactics, their goal is to gain your personal information or trick you into sending them money or gift cards. Here are a few ways to spot fake recruiters and avoid being scammed.
1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For example, the “recruiter” says they’ll send you a check before you start working. Or the job pays a lot of money for very little work. These are signs that the opportunity isn’t real.
2. Be cautious of on-the-spot interviews. According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), job seekers should be wary of any request to do an on-the-spot online interview (by text, email or video). A legitimate online interview is generally preceded by initial outreach, as well as detailed information such as interview time, job description and the names and titles of those who will be interviewing.
3. Notice spelling, grammar and punctuation. While an occasional typo may not signal a problem, unusual wording or multiple errors should raise a flag. If the person messaging you sounds suspicious, ask to schedule the interview at a later time so you can investigate before engaging further. Use contact information from the company’s website to schedule your interview, not the email address from the person who contacted you.
4. Never pay for equipment or job supplies in advance. Scammers may ask “new hires” to pay for a laptop in advance, for example, promising to reimburse them later. Or they may ask for credit card information to pay for shipping the equipment. Their goal is to get you to send cash or obtain information for identity theft. Keep in mind that asking candidates to pay for travel, equipment or even postage is not an ethical business practice.
5. Double check email headers and URLs. Scammers often make small changes to a company’s website URL or email address to trick job seekers. Make sure that URLs or domains being used match those used by the legitimate company. Find the authentic business URL by performing your own search.
6. Be skeptical of requests for personal information. Never share your social security, driver’s license or bank account numbers by text, email or phone until you are certain you are working with a legitimate employer. Real employers should provide protected portals or other encrypted ways to share personal information.
7. Do your own research on the company and its people. If anything seems not-quite-right during a conversation with a recruiter, we recommend you call the company directly to confirm the job opportunity and the person who has been contacting you.
8. Be wary if the “recruiter” does not want you to see their face on video or in-person. Although online interviews are now a common practice, most are done via video conference tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Be wary if the interview is being conducted entirely by text or email. If possible, adding an in-person meeting is the best way to validate a job opportunity.
In summary, if anyone contacts you saying they are from BravoTECH and something seems “off,” trust your instincts and give us a call at 800.762.7268 or email us at [email protected]. We’ll help you avoid recruiting scams and find a real job opportunity that’s right for you!
