Top 7 Recruitment Scams to avoid in 2025
As the job market evolves and technology becomes more integrated into the hiring process, scammers are also getting smarter. In 2025, recruitment fraud is more sophisticated than ever, targeting jobseekers and employers alike. Whether you’re looking for your next role or hiring for your team, it’s essential to be alert to the warning signs.
We’re committed to protecting both candidates and clients. Here are the top 7 recruitment scams to avoid in 2025 - and how to stay safe.
1. Pay-to-Apply Scams
Red flag: You’re asked to pay a fee to apply, register, or attend an interview.
What’s happening: Scammers posing as recruiters or hiring managers request payment for CV reviews, "priority applications", or interview slots.
Stay safe: Legitimate recruiters will never ask you for money. All genuine recruitment services are free for jobseekers.
2. Fake Job Ads
Red flag: The job sounds too good to be true, or is unusually vague.
What’s happening: Fraudsters post fake jobs to harvest personal data or lure candidates into giving up financial information.
Stay safe: Research the recruiter or agency. Look for clear job descriptions, company names, and contact details. If anything feels off, trust your instincts.
3. Phishing Emails and Fake Domains
Red flag: You receive an email from a domain that looks "almost right" but isn’t.
What’s happening: Cybercriminals send convincing emails from domains that mimic legitimate recruitment firms (e.g., john@acorn-recruitment.net instead of acornpeople.com).
Stay safe: Double-check email addresses and only share sensitive information through official channels. If in doubt, contact the agency directly using their verified contact info.
4. Offers Without Interviews
Red flag: You receive a job offer without ever having a proper interview.
What’s happening: Scammers offer fake roles to trick candidates into handing over personal details or paying for fake background checks or training.
Stay safe: Any real job offer will follow a formal process, including interviews and documentation. Skip anything that seems rushed or overly casual.
5. Fake Remote Jobs with Upfront Equipment Fees
Red flag: You’re told you need to pay for a laptop or software to start work.
What’s happening: A new trend involves fake remote jobs where the scammer asks you to pay upfront for work equipment often with a promise to reimburse you later.
Stay safe: No reputable employer will ever ask you to cover setup costs. Always verify remote roles and never send money to start work.
6. Impersonation of Real Recruiters
Red flag: You’re contacted by someone claiming to work for a real agency, but their contact details don’t match the official site.
What’s happening: Scammers impersonate legitimate recruiters using LinkedIn or messaging apps. They might even copy real profiles and job listings.
Stay safe: If you’re contacted out of the blue, verify the person through their company’s website or main phone number. Don’t engage through unofficial messaging apps unless you know the person is real.
7. Suspicious Contracts or Lack of Paperwork
Red flag: The contract is vague, rushed, or missing entirely.
What’s happening: Some scammers push candidates to start work quickly without contracts or ask employers to share payment or bank info before any agreement is in place.
Stay safe: A reputable recruitment agency will provide full documentation and a clear breakdown of terms before you commit to anything.
How we help you stay safe
We take your safety seriously:
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We never charge jobseekers for our services
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We use verified communication channels
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Vet all roles and employers we represent
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Train our teams to identify suspicious activity
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Offer clear, written agreements for every placement
Think you’ve spotted a scam?
If you suspect you’ve been targeted, take these steps:
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Stop communication immediately
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Report it to Action Fraud (UK) or your national fraud reporting body
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Contact us so we can investigate and prevent future incidents
Final thought
Recruitment should be an exciting and empowering process, not one filled with worry or risk. By knowing what to look out for and working with trusted professionals, you can protect yourself and your business.
Need help navigating your job search or hiring safely? Get in touch with our team - we’re here to help.