How to Spot and Avoid Recruiting Scams

For today’s job seekers, information and opportunity are only a click away. While this access is convenient, it also opens the door to an unfortunate reality: recruiting scams.

We recently became aware of this happening when several candidates reached out to our wwrecruitingteam email alias, concerned about suspicious messages they had received.

Once we saw that this was directly affecting prospective candidates – people who were genuinely excited about opportunities with us – we jumped in to help. Protecting your experience, safety, and wellbeing is something we take seriously.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, impersonating legitimate companies and recruiters to take advantage of job seekers. These scams can damage a company’s reputation and – more importantly – put candidates at risk. That’s why we want to equip you with practical tips to help you navigate your job search with confidence and caution.

1. Verify the job posting.

If a recruiter reaches out to you on LinkedIn or another platform, take a moment to visit the company’s official careers page. If the role isn’t posted there, don’t be afraid to ask questions:

How did they find your profile?

Why isn’t the role listed publicly?

Legitimate recruiters will have clear answers and won’t shy away from transparency.

2. Watch out for unusual interview methods.

No credible company conducts an entire interview process via email or messaging apps. While early communications might happen over chat, a reputable process will always include a phone, video, or even in-person interview. Be cautious of anyone asking you to answer interview questions exclusively via email or instant message.

3. Protect your personal information.

Be wary if you’re asked to fill out tax documents like a W-4 before receiving an official offer or onboarding through a secure company system. This is not a standard practice and could be a red flag.

4. Never pay to work.

A legitimate employer will never ask you to send money for equipment, software, or supplies. If you’re asked to spend your own money to get started, it’s almost certainly a scam.

5. Do your research.

Look up the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn. Make sure they’re affiliated with the company they claim to represent. If you’re unsure, reach out directly to the company’s HR or recruiting team via official channels to confirm the legitimacy of the outreach.

Bonus Tip: Protect Your Resume Privacy

It’s perfectly fine to post your resume online – but be smart about what you share.

• Create a job search–specific email address that isn’t linked to your personal accounts.
• Avoid listing your home address.
• Keep your contact information private on LinkedIn unless you’re actively job hunting.

Your Safety Comes First
Job hunting should be an exciting step in your career journey – not a risk to your personal security. Staying vigilant, asking the right questions, and doing your homework can go a long way in protecting yourself from scams.

We’re here to support candidates every step of the way. If you ever have doubts about a communication claiming to come from us, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your safety matters.