How to spot a recruitment scam – 10 red flags to look for
Starting a job search can open up exciting possibilities for the next step in your career. Sadly, it’s also an opportunity for scammers to engage with you, offering you the perfect role in exchange for valuable information – or even money.
This is a worldwide issue. Reports of fake recruiters have led to losses of $49m in Canada and have doubled over a two-year period in the UK. In China, job seekers face similar risks. With the widespread use of online recruitment platforms, social media, and messaging apps, scammers impersonate reputable companies or agencies to trick you into sharing personal data or making payments. According to reminders from industry associations and public security authorities, online recruitment scams have risen in recent years, involving significant amounts of money.
So how can you tell whether a job is genuine or a scam? Below are common warning signs.
Why you may be targeted
Scammers often pose as recruiters from well-known recruitment firms or large companies, even referencing real job ads to appear credible. Their goal may not be direct payment at first, but to obtain your ID number, contact details, or bank information for identity theft or telecom fraud.
Therefore, once you notice suspicious signs, stop communicating immediately to avoid further loss.
Ten warning signs of recruitment scams
This is not an exhaustive list, as scam tactics keep evolving. Fraudsters can easily use AI to generate fake profile pictures or craft messages that resemble those from real recruiters. However, any of the following can indicate you’re dealing with an impersonator:
- Unsolicited contact: They reach out via WeChat, QQ, SMS, or job sites and promise “guaranteed placement.”
- Suspicious social accounts: Few connections on LinkedIn or local platforms (e.g., Maimai) and minimal interaction with colleagues.
- Vague CV or job description: Requirements are overly generic, with no clear skills or experience needed.
- Questionable email address: Uses personal mail (e.g., @163.com, @qq.com) or a lookalike domain (e.g., @haysjobs.cn instead of @hays.cn).
- Avoids live communication: Refuses phone or video interviews, relying only on text.
- Unprofessional documents: Offer letters or contracts lack company letterhead, contact details, or the latest branding.
- Unusually high salary: Promises far above market rates; check realistic levels with the Hays Asia Salary Guide.
- Requests for payment: Asks for training fees, deposits, or “onboarding fees.” Legitimate recruiters never charge candidates.
- Pressure to submit quickly: Pushes you to “complete immediately,” leaving no time to verify.
- Overpromising: Descriptions that sound “too good to be true,” such as easy work with high pay.
What to avoid if you suspect a scam
- Do not open attachments or click links.
- Do not provide sensitive information such as ID numbers or bank details.
- Do not make any payments.
Recommended actions
- Verify information: Visit the company’s official website to confirm whether the job is real.
- Check reputation: Review the agency’s founding date, feedback, and whether it appears on scam alert sites.
- Report accounts: Report suspicious profiles on LinkedIn, Maimai, or WeChat.
- Stay cautious: If anything seems off, it’s better to walk away than take risks.
Stay vigilant
Patience and caution are essential in the job search. Whenever you receive a job offer, pause to think, verify details, and protect your personal data and financial security.
Looking for a new role? Find the latest jobs today or speak to Hays recruiter for career advice.
Contact us
Journalists looking for more information about Hays should contact the PR team.
Press Releases
Visit our press release archive to read all of Hays's press releases.