Fake Recruiters
Imposters posing as recruiters or HR to harvest personal data, fees, or to enlist money mules.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
A fake recruiter scam impersonates a recruiter, HR team, or known company to lure job seekers. The goal may be to steal identity documents, charge bogus fees, or recruit you (sometimes unknowingly) into money laundering.
How it works
You're approached about a role you didn't apply for, or find a fake listing. The 'recruiter' moves fast, requests ID and bank details 'for onboarding', and may ask for equipment deposits or training fees, or have you process payments.
Common red flags
- Job offer for a role you never applied to
- Requests for ID and bank details very early
- Any fee to start, train, or buy equipment
- Communication only via messaging apps
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
We reviewed your profile and want to offer you a remote role. Send your ID and a [amount] equipment deposit to begin.
Payment methods used
- Upfront fees
- Equipment deposits
- Bank details harvested
Who is usually targeted
- Job seekers
- Students and graduates
- Remote workers
What to do immediately
- Verify the company via its official website and careers contact
- Never pay to get a job or send ID before verifying
- Report fake listings to the platform
Evidence to preserve
- Job ad and messages
- Recruiter profile
- Any documents or payments
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
Do real employers charge fees or ask for ID upfront?
Legitimate employers don't charge you to get hired and request identity documents only after a genuine offer, through official HR channels. Early fee or ID requests via messaging apps are red flags.