An unknown number is calling or texting you, claiming they’re working for a recruitment company. Does this sound familiar? Learn how to spot and protect yourself from recruitment scammers with our tips on the topic in this short guide.

The internet is a great way to find new job opportunities, but unfortunately, scammers are also looking for jobseekers who are willing to give up data. In this guide, you will learn how to spot fake recruiters, how to protect yourself if you have been contacted, and how our consultants at Amoria Bond would contact you.

How to Spot a Recruitment Scammer

Although scammers have become quite skilled at posing as real recruiters, there are a few warning signs jobseekers can look out for:

• Suspicious Message: The message is vague and inconsistent, promising a great deal if you apply quickly. For example, the job may not specify hard skills but instead focuses on generic soft skills like "team player," "enthusiastic," or "positive." A good recruiter will personalise their message based on your skills and interests.
• Messenger Channels: If you receive a message on WhatsApp or Telegram, it's likely a scam. For example, Amoria Bond would never contact you through a messaging app, especially if the number is from a different country than where our offices are located. Scammers also often make communication errors, such as mixing formal and informal language or having spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Personal Information: A legitimate recruiter will never ask for personal information like bank account numbers, social security numbers, or other sensitive details before an interview and usually not even before you’ve been offered the job.
• Requesting Money: This is the biggest warning sign. If a recruiter asks you to pay a fee for more information or administrative costs, they are definitely not legitimate. Also, if they ask you to transfer money on behalf of someone else, it could be connected to money laundering.
• Fake Profiles: Check their LinkedIn profile. Is there minimal information about their background or history? Professional recruiters are typically active on LinkedIn, posting regularly, and they can prove their connection to a recruitment company by appearing on the company’s website or using a corporate email.
• Generic Email Address: A job offer coming from a Google or other generic email domain is likely not legitimate. Recruiters will contact you through a professional account that usually includes the company name in the email address.
• Too Good to Be True: A job offering an unusually high salary for minimal effort is a red flag. Legitimate companies provide detailed job descriptions and often have high expectations for high-profile roles. If the salary is high, the requirements are likely demanding as well.
• No Job Process: Legitimate job offers always involve a hiring process. A recruiter will never offer you a job without conducting interviews, checking references, or possibly requiring assessments. A quick hiring process isn't necessarily a red flag, but skipping these steps entirely is.

How to Protect Yourself from Scammers

It's important to be cautious when sharing personal information. Here are steps to identify and protect yourself from recruitment scams:

• Verify Recruiter Identity: Always check that the recruiter’s contact information matches the official company domain. You can visit the company’s website to confirm or check if the number is flagged as a scam. If in doubt, contact the recruitment company directly.
• Avoid Payment Requests: Reputable companies never ask for payments from candidates. If a recruiter requests any kind of fee, stop replying and report them.
• Document the Contact: Take screenshots of your conversation with the scammer and note their contact details. If you’ve transferred money, report it immediately to your bank to cancel the payment and possibly block your card.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the relevant cyber authorities (e.g. EU, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, USA, Belgium, France). Also, contact the legitimate recruitment organisation to help them investigate and take steps to prevent further scams.

Stay vigilant, especially when receiving unsolicited offers, and always confirm the legitimacy of a job opportunity before sharing personal information.

How Amoria Bond Will Contact You

As a professional STEM recruitment organisation, Amoria Bond takes proactive measures to protect candidates from recruitment scams. Here’s what we do and don't do when contacting you:

What We Will Do:

• Contact you via email, phone, or LinkedIn.
• Use email addresses ending in @amoriabond.com
• Be transparent about the job process.

What We Will NEVER Do:

• Contact you through WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, or any other messaging apps.
• Ask for a fee or payment for job information.
• Request sensitive information without going through the job process.

If you’re unsure about a recruiter’s legitimacy, contact us to verify their identity via our LinkedIn page or website.

Progress Your Life with Amoria Bond

Amoria Bond is a specialised STEM recruitment organisation that connects top candidates with pioneering sectors around the globe. We value excellence, transparency, and progression, all of which are reflected in our recruitment processes.

Looking for your next career opportunity in Technology, Advanced Engineering, or Energy? Then upload your CV now! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!