I started seeking the next step in my career a few weeks ago. I first updated my resume and set my LinkedIn profile to “Open to Work” for recruiters and hiring teams to see my status. I also put a post indicating that I was “Open to Work” outlining what I am seeking. Within minutes, I was contacted by two different “recruiters.”
The first had what appeared to be an extensive profile but with an oddly common name. As I was digging into this profile, I received a message from this person indicating they were a well-known recruiter. He then proceeded to ask me to have my resume re-written by their recommended resume expert. His explanation was that my resume didn’t contain certain keywords which he rattled off. Most of the missing keywords had nothing to do with my background or desired roles.
He then proceeded to provide me with a Fiverr link to the resume writer. I investigated the link and found that the recommended person was in Nigeria and had a Gmail address. I probed him on this, and he explained that she was traveling and her IP address was linked to her current temporary location. He then proceeded to give this person my cell phone number. I immediately received a call and a voicemail from this person was. I also noted that the Fiverr account was relatively new. The recruiter explained that away by stating that this person’s account had been hacked recently and they had a new account.
I ended up reporting the account and blocking him on LinkedIn. LinkedIn does not provide users with a good option for reporting scammers or fraudulent actors. I did not respond to the resume writer and blocked and reported that cell number.
I received a second message from a different “recruiter.” This one was obviously a scam account as a cursory review of their profile made that abundantly clear.
I have also received direct email solicitations to my personal email from people claiming to be recruiters. They all have the same MO – they use a real person’s name and likeness, they have a semi-legitimate looking Gmail address and targeted me by indicating they have roles that I am looking for available. I didn’t interact with these people.
I found the individuals whose name and likeness the scammers were using and reported it to them. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done without spending time digging in a bit. I don’t have time for that now. I post this mostly for awareness. People searching for work are usually more anxious and can sometimes let down their guard, opening themselves up to wasting time, chasing fake job postings, and divulging personal information to malicious actors. Searching for a new role is daunting especially in today’s highly impersonal digital world, and we all want the personal touch. Unfortunately, the malicious actors know this and will do their best to exploit those sensitivities.
Stay alert out there. Keep your shields up and your radar fully engaged!
