How to Avoid Recruiting Scams
March 22, 2024
They say if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While this is a critical “first line of defense” when combating online job scams, there are other things job candidates should keep in mind to avoid falling victim to recruiting scams.
Bio-Rad and other employers periodically receive reports of individuals posing as company recruiters. These fake "recruiters" seek to obtain information from applicants, including personal and financial information. If the cyber criminals obtain the right information, the losses to job seekers are often very painful.
Here are some key things to help you remain vigilant and avoid job scams:
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Communication Matters: While recruiters often use LinkedIn messaging for reaching out to prospective job candidates, interviews are rarely (if ever) held via text, instant message, or email. Don't be afraid to request a phone or in-person interview!
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Double Check Details: Beware of inconsistent details about the role or hiring company, and ensure the link directs you to a legitimate company site and not a spoofed version.
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Check Out The Recruiter: You should also scan the recruiter’s LinkedIn profile to make sure it seems legit. If there aren’t many details or the person only has a few followers, something could be amiss. You can also confirm the recruiter's email format with the company's general email pattern (for Bio-Rad, email addresses end in @bio-rad.com).
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Never Pay Upfront: A legitimate job will never ask you to pay for things like background checks, training, or equipment before starting a new position. Avoid “recruiters” who offer to send a payment for these types of things. Be wary if asked for personal or financial details like your driver’s license, Social Security number, or banking info.
Feel like you’re being scammed? When in doubt, call the company to verify the recruiter's identity and the job role. You can also report scams to both the FTC and FBI (in the US) or to the appropriate agency for your country or region. Lastly, contact your financial institution immediately if you've fallen prey to a scammer and shared sensitive info or money.
In addition to our advice here, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a page dedicated to these type of scams. You can also find more information on LinkedIn, an active channel for these types of scams.
If you have any questions about the legitimacy of a communication from Bio-Rad, please email us at talent-acquisition-team@bio-rad.com to verify that the communication is legitimate.
