Fake LinkedIn Recruiter Message Script
Fake recruiters on professional networks offer attractive remote roles, then request personal data, upfront equipment fees, or redirect you into a task or investment scam.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Hi [name], I came across your profile and think you'd be a great fit for a remote [role] at [company]. The salary is [amount]. Are you open to opportunities?
Congratulations — you've been shortlisted. To proceed, please complete our onboarding form and provide your date of birth and social security number for a background check.
Your equipment stipend of [amount] has been processed. You'll need to forward [amount] to our IT vendor for setup — you'll be reimbursed on your first paycheck.
The role involves completing simple online tasks that our clients need reviews for. Your supervisor will guide you each day.
What the scammer wants
To harvest personal and financial information under the guise of recruitment, or to lure you into a task or investment scam, or to extract an upfront equipment fee that is never reimbursed.
Red flags in the message
- Offer for a well-paid remote role with minimal requirements
- Recruiter profile recently created or with few connections
- Background-check form requests Social Security number or passport details early
- Request to forward an equipment advance from a cheque they send
- Role described as liking, rating, or completing short tasks
- Salary far above market rate for the level of work described
- Interview conducted entirely by text or chat with no video call
- Onboarding materials sent via a personal email or unsecured link
A safe response
Research the recruiter and company independently. Look up the company on its official website, verify the recruiter's profile history, and never provide sensitive personal details or pay any fee as part of a job application process.
What not to send
- Social Security number or passport details at an early application stage
- Equipment or onboarding fee payments
- Bank account details before a legitimate offer letter is signed
What to do if you already replied
- If you forwarded an equipment advance, contact your bank — the original cheque may bounce and you will owe the full amount
- If you shared personal identifiers, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file
- Report the fake profile to LinkedIn or the relevant platform
- If you were redirected into a task platform, stop any deposits and save evidence
- Report the incident to your national consumer or fraud authority
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times