Avoid Recruitment Scams

Hey there, job seekers! In today’s fast-paced hiring world, scams have become all too common—and unfortunately, more sophisticated than ever. As American recruiters, we're here to share actionable, recruiter-backed advice on how to stay safe while pursuing your dream career. Let’s dive into the top five must-know tips to protect yourself from recruitment fraud.

1. Watch for sketchy email addresses and suspicious domains

Legitimate recruiters email you from official company domains—not from personal Gmail or Yahoo addresses. A domain like company-jobs.com instead of the real company.com is a classic red flag. Always double-check the email domain or website before responding.

2. Never, ever pay for a job offer—training, materials, placement, nothing

If someone asks you to pay for training, application fees, materials, or anything else—run. No authentic recruiter or trusted company will ever ask for money upfront. A common variation: they overpay you via check and ask for part of it back; later, the check bounces and you’re responsible.

3. Research the company—and confirm with a trusted source

Before you respond to a job offer, do a quick deep dive:

Search LinkedIn, company websites, and review platforms like Glassdoor.
Call the company’s verified phone number and confirm the recruiter’s identity.
High-level scams often involve impersonating legitimate companies, so always verify through official channels.

4. Avoid sharing sensitive data—especially via fake portals or phishing links

Scam job listings often ask for your social security number, bank account info, or direct you to sign into a fake “company portal.” Never share personally identifiable information unless you’re absolutely sure the source is legitimate. Many of these sites are designed to harvest your data for identity theft.

5. Report anything suspicious—and protect your identity

If something feels off, trust your instincts and take action:

Report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general.
Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared financial info.
Block scammer communications and set up credit/identity monitoring to catch suspicious activity early.

Consider placing a credit freeze with major credit bureaus if sensitive data has been compromised.

Bonus Tips to Stay Safe

Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the company has a profile and whether any scam alerts exist.
Be cautious with unsolicited offers, especially via social media or messaging platforms. Scammers often target people through Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
Stay alert to AI-generated fake ads and phishing schemes—scams are becoming more sophisticated every year.

Received Something Claiming to be from Us? Let’s Confirm.

If you’ve received an email, text, social media message, or other communication with the American Recruiters name or logo, and something feels “off,” we can help confirm whether it’s truly from us.

Reach out to us through our official channels:

We’ll verify and protect your connection to legitimate opportunities.

Job hunting can feel overwhelming, especially when scams are lurking around every corner. But with a bit of vigilance, a healthy dose of skepticism, and some trusted practices, you can protect yourself while finding your next great opportunity. Stay smart, be skeptical, and don’t hesitate to reach out to official sources if something doesn’t feel right.
Wishing you a safe and successful job search!