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If you’ve been involved in a serious job search for any length of time, you’ve probably come across what I call “Scam Hunters”. These are companies that masquerade as recruiting firms and, once they contact you (and suck you in), try to sell you on a program where they claim they will “represent” you in your job search. The typical fee is $5,000 or so (but $10,000 and more is not unusual), but if they can get more $ out of you they will. If you do a search on these companies for complaints, you will find that most have numerous complaints and claims against them (this is certainly true for the four that have contacted me).
So my point is this, a true Recruiter (headhunter, executive search firm, etc.) will not charge you for their services. They are paid (either by retainer or contingency) by the hiring company.
Don't be sucked in by slick salespeople who will sell you something you don't need and will probably never deliver. Do some research on these companies and you will see what I mean.Click To TweetWhile many people decide to pay for services during their job search such as resume writing, interview coaching, resume blasting, etc., this money is generally well spent if you need the help. But don’t be sucked in by slick salespeople who will sell you something you don’t need and will probably never deliver. Do some research on these companies and you will see what I mean.
Job Search Scams
“If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true”. Protect your personal information at all costs.
Work-at-Home Schemes: There are probably some legitimate work-at-home companies out there, but the vast majority of “work from home” offers are scams. The FTC receives thousands of complaints about these schemes. Their sales pitches are very convincing, and they all have a list of names of individuals who supposedly made 10’s of thousands of dollars. That being said, look out for:
If you find yourself "suddenly home" and you're feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, this book is for you.
- Check out the CEO, if his address is a PO Box, stay away.
- Find out the state of incorporation and check for complaints with the Attorney General, FTC, and the Better Business Bureau.
- Do not give your bank information, credit card information, or your Social Security number.
- Take a look at the free FTC publication – Work-at-home-Schemes.
Emails about Jobs You Didn’t Apply For: If you get an email from an employer or Recruiter regarding a job that you don’t remember applying for, there is a pretty good chance that you didn’t and it is a scam. They will usually shower you with compliments about why you are the perfect candidate and then they will ask for a bunch of personal information. Don’t be fooled. Ask them for their information and do a check on them (and don’t give them any information).
Job search boards out there just trying to trick you into giving up your personal information.
Other Warning Signs:
- The pay is too good to be true
- You didn’t contact them (but they say you did)
- Unprofessional emails (poor grammar, misspelled words, your name misspelled, etc.)
- Emails from companies your trust, offering you a job, and asking you to “just click here” is most probably a scam (do not click on the link).
- Unsolicited phone calls – ask for their information and a callback number. Get their name, and address and do a search.
Other Resources:
Maybe you're wondering how to make the scam phone calls stop. Perhaps someone has stolen your credit card number. Or you've been a victim of identity theft. Even if you haven't yet been the target of a crime, con artists are always out there, waiting for the right moment to steal your information, your money, and your life.
