A fake or hijacked LinkedIn profile posing as a recruiter to exploit the platform's built-in professional trust.
Because LinkedIn is where professionals expect recruiters, it's fertile ground for scams: cloned profiles with stolen photos, hijacked real accounts, or thin profiles impersonating staff at known firms. The initial approach looks credible, then quickly pivots off-platform or toward a payment or data request.
Verify a recruiter's identity against the employer's official site and reach out through company channels rather than trusting the profile alone.
Red flags
- New or sparse profile with few genuine connections
- Recruiter pushes you to WhatsApp/Telegram immediately
- Profile photo fails a reverse image search
Deep-dive guide
Brand Impersonation & CEO Gift-Card Scams (BEC) in Hiring
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a recruiter who contacts me on LinkedIn?
Check that the person appears on the employer's official site or directory, look for a genuine work history and mutual connections, and confirm through the company's real channels before sharing anything.