A scammer posing as a recruiter or hiring manager from a known company to lend credibility to a fake offer.
Impersonators borrow the identity of a real recruiter or company to make an approach feel legitimate — copying names, logos, and even LinkedIn profiles. The goal is to make the target lower their guard before the ask.
Verify recruiters through the company's official directory or main phone line, never through contact details the recruiter provides.
Red flags
- Recruiter contacts you from a free email account
- Details don't match the company's official directory
- Offer made with little or no real interview
Deep-dive guide
Brand Impersonation & CEO Gift-Card Scams (BEC) in Hiring
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify a recruiter is real?
Look the recruiter up on the company's official website or LinkedIn, then reach out through the company's main contact channels — not the email or number the recruiter gave you.