Submitted by Global Scam Watch on

Job recruitment scamsI recently stumbled across a post in a group I follow regarding a scam targeting job seekers. Someone had shared their experience receiving a job offer from a supposed recruiter at a multinational company.

Reading the post made me realize this was not an isolated incident. Scammers have been increasingly impersonating recruiters from companies such as Henkel, Amazon, and Walmart, using fake job offers, staged interviews, and HR-style forms to steal personal information or money. By mimicking legitimate hiring practices, these schemes exploit the trust and ambition of people actively looking for work.

Unlike traditional scams, these frauds are highly personalized. Scammers comb through platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to identify potential victims, sometimes referencing past roles, skills, or education to make outreach appear credible. They can even create email addresses and documents that look official, making it difficult to immediately recognize the scam.

This article explores how these scams operate, highlights real-world examples, identifies warning signs, and provides actionable steps to protect oneself.

🔍 How the Scam Works

Scammers typically follow a structured process to appear legitimate:

  • Unsolicited Outreach
    Fraudsters contact potential victims directly via email, text, or messaging applications, referencing specific resume details to build trust. They often claim to represent a reputable company and may create email addresses that closely resemble the official corporate domain.
  • Fake Zoom “Interviews”
    Victims are invited to interviews conducted over Zoom’s text chat, WhatsApp, or other messaging platforms instead of a live video call. The questions are often relevant to the position, giving the impression of a real hiring process. Scammers may ask about previous work experience or technical skills to increase credibility.
  • Sensitive Data Requests
    After the interview, victims are asked to complete what appears to be a standard HR or payroll form, providing bank account numbers, government identification, or Social Security information for “payroll setup.” While these forms may appear ordinary — since companies can design their own — the risk comes from who receives the information. Scammers use this data for identity theft or financial fraud. Some victims are also sent counterfeit checks linked to these details, which later bounce, leaving them financially liable.
  • Counterfeit Cheques and Fees
    Some scammers send fake checks labeled for “equipment” or “training,” instructing victims to deposit them and transfer part of the funds to third parties via Zelle, PayPal, or other methods. Others request upfront fees for background checks, onboarding, or training materials. Once the checks bounce, victims are responsible for the full amount.

The ultimate goal is either to collect sensitive information for identity theft or to extract money through fraudulent transactions.

đź“ť Real-World Cases

  • Henkel Impersonation (2025)
    A job seeker received an unsolicited offer from someone claiming to be a Henkel recruiter. The Zoom interview seemed professional, but the request for bank and identification details for payroll setup raised suspicion. The victim recognized inconsistencies and avoided sharing information, preventing financial loss.
  • Trip.com Scheme (2023)
    Scammers conducted Zoom interviews and sent victims a $3,500 “equipment” cheque. When the cheque bounced, victims faced banking complications and financial stress.
  • Amazon and Walmart Scams
    Fraudsters impersonated recruiters from these companies, sending fake chequea for remote work positions and requesting money transfers. Some victims lost thousands of dollars before realizing the fraud.

These examples demonstrate that scams are not isolated incidents; they span countries, industries, and corporate brands.

⚠️ Warning Signs

Be alert for these common red flags:

  • Receiving job offers without ever submitting an application.
  • Interviews conducted solely via text-based platforms such as Zoom chat or WhatsApp, with no live video.
  • Requests for bank account information, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive documents before a verified job offer.
  • Checks or requests for upfront payments for equipment, training, or fees.
  • Emails coming from unofficial domains (e.g., @henkel-jobs•com instead of @henkel•com).

Paying attention to these warning signs can prevent one from falling victim to sophisticated recruitment scams.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

  • Verify offers by contacting the company directly through its official career portal.
  • Check email domains to ensure they match the company’s official domain. Tools such as Whois can help verify legitimacy.
  • Refuse to pay for equipment, training, or background cheques before employment is confirmed. Legitimate companies cover these costs.
  • Request live video interviews to confirm the recruiter’s identity. Legitimate recruiters typically agree to a live video call.
  • Monitor accounts and update passwords if sensitive information was shared. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.

If You Have Been Targeted

If one suspects a recruitment scam, act immediately:

  • Cease all communication with the scammer.
  • Notify the impersonated company through official HR or careers contacts.
  • Submit evidence such as screenshots and chat logs to any platform used, including Zoom or WhatsApp.
  • Secure accounts by changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and placing fraud alerts with one’s bank or credit bureau.
  • Report to authorities in the appropriate region:

🌍 International

🇺🇸 United States

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • IC3 – ic3.gov
  • State Attorneys General – state-level consumer protection offices

🇨🇦 Canada

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🇦🇺 Australia

🇪🇺 European Union

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Recruitment scams are part of a growing global fraud network, enabling identity theft, financial loss, and widespread distrust in online hiring processes. Sharing experiences and reporting incidents helps authorities identify patterns, shut down fraud operations, and prevent future victims. Awareness is the first line of defense; staying informed can protect both oneself and others seeking employment.