The job offer seemed perfect–but it was a trap

How to Spot Fake Recruiters (Before They Spot You)

In today’s digital world, your next job offer might come through a message, a DM, or an email that seems completely legitimate — until it isn’t. Fake recruiters are flooding LinkedIn, job boards, and inboxes with postings for jobs that don’t exist, hoping to steal your personal information, scam you into sending money, or worse — gain access to your company’s internal systems through social engineering.

This isn’t a rare or fringe tactic. It’s happening to executives, students, and mid-career professionals alike. And the fake recruiters are getting better at sounding real.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

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5 Ways to Avoid Fake Recruiter Scams

1. Don’t trust the job — verify the source.

If you receive a cold message about a role, check the recruiter’s profile carefully. Do they have a real company email address? Does the company actually list them on their website or LinkedIn? A legitimate recruiter should leave a digital trail that’s easy to verify. Most companies can be found at BBB.org, as well.

2. Be suspicious of urgency.

Scammers often use phrases like “we need someone ASAP” or “positions are closing quickly.” Pressure tactics are a red flag. Real opportunities are rarely rushed through without at least a proper interview process.

3. Watch for personal email addresses.

Any recruiter who contacts you from a Gmail, Outlook, or other free email service is a red flag. Reputable recruiters almost always use a verified business domain.

4. Don’t give personal info too soon.

If they ask for your Social Security number, banking info, or a copy of your ID before an interview or signed offer, back out immediately. That’s not how legitimate recruiting works.

5. Look for inconsistency.

If the job title sounds overly generic, the grammar is off, or their responses seem scripted, trust your gut. Scam messages often use templates or AI-generated content that sounds “off” on closer reading.

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The Takeaway

Fake recruiters don’t just want your resume. They want your trust — and once they have it, your identity, your credentials, or your access.

At IRONSWEEP, we investigate online threats like these every day. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. And if you’re not sure, we’ll take a look before the damage is done.

#assesstherisk