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n 2025, data from ScamWatch shows there have been 4,461 reports of recruitment scams, with losses exceeding $14 million. That’s up from 3,349 reports in 2024.
The rise in recruitment scams is concerning for job seekers, many of whom are already in vulnerable positions. Scammers see this as an opportunity to take advantage of people looking for work, which is why it’s important to stay alert.
In this article, we’ll look at what recruitment scams involve, how to recognise the warning signs, ways to protect yourself, and what to do if you’ve been affected.
What are recruitment scams?
Recruitment scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers pose as legitimate employers or recruiters to deceive people looking for work. Their goal is often to steal personal information for identity theft or to obtain money under false pretences. In some cases, scammers may offer a fake job and then request bank account details, claiming it’s needed to set up salary payments or direct deposits.
Common red flags
Be on the lookout for these red flags to protect yourself from scammers:
- Unrealistic promises
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You’ve likely seen postings that guarantee high salaries or commission figures. These occur a lot with remote work scams, and the positions often have vague descriptions.
- Upfront payments
Legitimate companies would never require upfront payments as a condition to gain employment. What these schemers propose is that you’ll pay them fees for training, equipment, or other requirements.
- Suspicious communications
Have you received a job offer by text or email for a company you never applied to? This type of scheme is increasing, and you should treat these communications as highly suspicious. Do your research to see if the company even exists or if it’s a known scam.
It’s not just text and email that these criminals use. They may also try communication via WhatsApp, social media, or other messaging apps.
- Job offers without an interview
If you’re communicating with someone who claims to be a hiring manager and they offer you a job straight away, be cautious. Genuine employers don’t operate like this as it’s too risky to hire someone without first reviewing their experience or conducting an interview.
- Receiving and forwarding money
If you’re asked to receive money into your account from someone you don’t know, keep a portion, and send the rest to another person – stop immediately. Scammers often use this tactic as part of recruitment scams to turn victims into money mules. Participating, even unknowingly, can make you complicit in money laundering. Legitimate employers will never ask you to handle money transfers on their behalf.
How to stay safe
Here are some tips to keep in mind when job hunting:
- Research companies
Before you apply for any job, do your due diligence. Don’t just check out their website – dig deeper to find out how long they’ve been in business, if any reviews exist, and if they have offices.
If little to no information exists about the organisation, you have every reason to be suspicious. Trust your instinct and don’t apply or respond.
- Verify recruiter details
Start with LinkedIn or another professional site to look up the recruiter who is contacting you. Do they have a profile? Does it look genuine? Things like no profile pictures, few connections, and no bio are signs they may not be.
- Use a trusted job platform
Legitimate job boards like Indeed, SEEK, and LinkedIn typically have checks and balances to keep spam and scams out. Users can report jobs on these profiles for investigation. If you’re a trusted job platform and see red flags, send it to their team to review. They actively monitor and remove fraudulent postings.
- Contact the company directly
Sometimes scammers use real companies as part of their scheme. They aren’t representatives of those businesses. If the red flags are waving, you can get in touch with them and ask questions. They’ll want to know if someone is using their brand to operate fraudulently.
What should you do if you were a victim of a scam?
If you were a scam victim, don’t feel ashamed. It happens to so many people every day. What’s important is taking the necessary steps to prevent any further losses and protect yourself.
You can start by filing a police report, then contact your bank or card provider to request that they halt any transactions. You may need to get a new card if it’s been compromised.
There are national resources that can help. IDCARE can support you in making a plan at no cost.
To stop scammers from hurting others, please report the scam to ScamWatch. We can take steps to warn others.
You should also be on the lookout for follow-up schemes. Criminals often try to come back to try to convince you that they’ll help you get your money back. Report any further communication with the police.
Finally, get support and take care of yourself. Talk about what happened with trusted family or friends or with a professional.
Recruitment scams will continue to be a threat to everyone. Understanding red flags and what to look for are keys to protecting yourself from harm.