LinkedIn job scams: how to spot a fake recruiter
Quick answer
A recruiter on LinkedIn who messages you out of the blue, flatters you, then asks you to pay for equipment or training, or for your Social Security number or bank details early, is likely a scammer. Contact the company directly and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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How it works
Job scams show up on real job sites, including LinkedIn. The contact typically starts as a private message where the "recruiter" praises your background.
The scammer then sends a fake interview invitation and a fake offer letter. After that comes the ask: money, or personal data.
The money is usually for equipment or training, often to be paid through apps like Cash App, Zelle or PayPal. The data is things like a driver's license, Social Security number or bank account details, requested before the job is real.
LinkedIn is the platform being used. The scammers also copy real companies' names.
Red flags
- A recruiter who emails from a personal address like Gmail or Yahoo instead of a company domain
- Fees for equipment or training, paid through payment apps
- A driver's license, Social Security number or bank details requested early
- An offer without a real interview
- A job you never applied for
Example message
Hi, I'm a recruiter with [company]. Your profile is a great fit for a remote role. To start, please send a copy of your ID and pay the equipment fee through [payment link].
What to do
- 1
Don't pay or send documents
Real employers don't require upfront fees for a job or equipment, and don't need your Social Security number before an offer is verified.
- 2
Verify with the company
Contact the company using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate, not one the recruiter gave you.
- 3
If you sent money
Contact your bank or payment app straight away and ask about stopping the transfer.
- 4
If you sent ID or bank details
Watch your accounts, change passwords and consider a credit freeze. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the steps.
- 5
Report it
Report the profile to LinkedIn, then report to the FTC.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers pick targets from public LinkedIn profiles, where your name, employer and job title are visible. Names, phone numbers and addresses like these are easy to buy or look up on people-search sites, and they show up in data breaches. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list you and removes you from them, and alerts you when your details appear in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Do real employers charge fees to hire you?
The FTC says real employers don't require upfront fees for a job or equipment.
How can I tell a real recruiter?
Contact the company using a phone number or website you already know is real. Real recruiters generally email from the company's own domain.
Where do I report a fake job offer?
Report it to the platform, then to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
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