Recruitment scams are rampant in our industry; unfortunately, we’ve been targeted. Learn more about recruitment fraud and how to keep yourself safe during your job search, the interview process, and beyond.
In today’s world, the internet is an integral part of the recruitment process for job seekers, recruiters, and hiring managers. While going digital makes it easier to access a wider job pool and quickly apply to new roles, it also leaves room for scammers to exploit people in vulnerable positions.
We’ve witnessed a rise in these scams over the past few decades, with the Better Business Bureau reporting 14 million people exposed to employment scams yearly, with $2 billion in direct financial losses.
Today, our cybersecurity team is shedding light on the various recruitment scams so you can arm yourself with knowledge as your first line of defence. Stay safe and vigilant as you navigate your job hunt.
Our Experience With Recruitment Scams
Unfortunately, we’ve been dealing with recruitment scams over the last few months. Scammers create fake domains, pose as our team, and defraud job seekers of thousands of dollars. The financial and emotional toll is high, and with people acting internationally and constantly creating new copycat domains, it becomes challenging to stop.
Beware that contact from anyone outside our domain, https://ebmediasolutions.com, is NOT US. If you’re chatting with a recruiter and unsure, please contact us directly from our site.
Common Types of Recruitment Scams
#1: Fake Job Postings
A common and insidious tactic involves creating fake job postings on legitimate job sites, like Indeed or LinkedIn. These fraudulent postings pop up all over, masquerading as real opportunities from reputable companies.
These fake postings entice applicants with high salaries, flexible work arrangements, and other great benefits. If they seem too good to be true, they probably are. Since they know some job seekers face financial pressures to secure a new role, they’re not always as discerning as they may be in other situations. And as AI and other technologies make it even easier to craft convincing job descriptions and mimic the industry language, it can be tough to tell what’s real or fake.
Once applicants express interest, scammers generally start contacting you through email or phone and creating a real sense of urgency to obtain sensitive information from you, like your Social Insurance number or bank account information, for a “background check” or to set up a “direct deposit.”
#2: Upfront Payment Scams
Sometimes, these scammers will even go so far as to request payments upfront for training, background checks, and other job-related expenses. A legitimate employer will never ask you to send them money before you start work, so avoid answering anyone who pressures you for money or payment information at all costs and report them to the legitimate company and the police.
#3: Money Laundering Scams
The “Secret Shopper” scam is specific to one industry – money transfers and cheque-cashing businesses. If a company hires you as a secret shopper to cash cheques and wire money, it’s not a legitimate job.
Usually, these scammers will send you a cheque to deposit in your account, which you’re supposed to cash or wire to another account to evaluate the money transfer service. When the cheque they sent you eventually bounces, you’ll be out the cash and potentially face legal consequences of your own for participating in a money laundering scam.
#4: The Signing Bonus Scam
Signing bonuses are common tactics to make great hires, but scammers also use them to entice people to wire money. They may act like the signing bonus or incentive is an act of goodwill to cover your initial expenses, but they’ll quickly pressure you to wire some of the funds back for time-sensitive project expenses. When the cheque bounces, you’ll be out any money you wired back and potentially face additional bank fees or legal repercussions.
How to Protect Yourself From Recruitment Scams: Essential Tips
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Job Offers. Move slowly when you’re receiving unsolicited job offers or those that require little interviewing and seem too good to be true. Always verify the legitimacy of the contact at the company through the business itself. Be sure the person you’re talking to is who they claim to be.
- Research Companies Thoroughly. Before you apply for any role, you should research the company on its website, social media, online reviews, and new sites. If the recruiter doesn’t seem knowledgeable or something feels amiss, contact the company directly to confirm the role’s legitimacy.
- Never Pay for a Job. No employer will ask you for a dime to secure your place or pay for supplies before you even start. If you’re asking to pay for anything, including training or background checks, don’t move forward with the recruiter.
- Be Careful When Sharing Personal Information. Never, ever share personal information until you’ve started your job. Your employer may eventually need your Social Security number and banking details only after you’ve been hired and integrated through the proper channels. Don’t share anything ahead of time.
- Listen to Your Gut. Trust your instincts if something feels off about a role or the hiring process. Don’t be afraid to dig deeper, ask for verification, request more information, and say no to anything that makes you uncomfortable.
- Report Fraud ASAP. If you encounter suspicious activity or have been targeted by a recruitment scam, report it to your local police, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and the affected companies.
- Stick With Reputable Job Boards. Look for roles on trustworthy job boards that quickly eliminate scammer posts and take steps to vet job postings.
EB Media—Stay Vigilant in Your Job Search
Follow these tips, stay vigilant, and make yourself a difficult target for scammers to hit with recruitment fraud. Your personal and financial information is private and invaluable – share it with no one online unless you’ve fully vetted your source.
At EB Media, we’re committed to creating a safe and transparent hiring process. If you have any concerns about potential scams or fraudulent activity, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate the job search process with confidence and security. Contact us today.
