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Contacted by a recruiter who now asks for money?

Fake recruiters and fake recruitment agencies pretend to offer real jobs, but their real goal is to collect fees or personal documents. SafeHaven Solution helps you understand whether an offer is genuine and what to do if you have already paid or shared information.

Check if the offer is safe
Fake recruiter scam illustration
Scam Types

Fake Recruiters & Recruitment Agency Scams

In fake recruiter scams, fraudsters pose as hiring managers or recruitment agencies. They may copy real company names, fake job ads or use professional profiles to earn your trust. Sooner or later, they ask for money, sensitive documents or both.

How this scam typically works
  • You receive a message or email from someone claiming to be a recruiter with a “great opportunity”.
  • The role often promises high pay, relocation or quick hiring with minimal interviews.
  • After some contact, the “recruiter” asks for money: registration fees, visa costs, training, or processing.
  • You may also be asked to send scans of your passport, ID, certificates or bank details.
  • Once money or documents are sent, the recruiter becomes difficult to reach or disappears completely.
Common red flags
  • Recruiter contacts you out of nowhere with an offer that sounds too good to be true.
  • They use free email accounts or names that do not match the company domain.
  • You are asked to pay upfront fees for interviews, administration, or placement.
  • No proper video call, formal contract, or official company documentation is provided.
  • Pressure to act quickly and keep communication outside of official company channels.
  • Job details are vague, and questions about employment rights or benefits are avoided.

What you should do right now
  1. Refuse to send any money or further documents until you can independently verify the offer.
  2. Search for the company’s official website and contact them using public contact details, not the ones sent by the recruiter.
  3. Take screenshots of all emails, chat messages, job descriptions and payment requests.
  4. If you already paid, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and explain what happened.
  5. If you shared identity documents or personal data, consider reporting this and ask about steps to protect your identity.
  6. Report the incident to your local police or relevant fraud / cybercrime reporting channel.
  7. Contact SafeHaven Solution if you need help reviewing your case or preparing reports.
Need help? If a recruiter or “agency” is asking for fees, documents or acting suspiciously, contact us — we can help you check warning signs and understand what to do next if you have already been affected.

Why fake recruiter scams are particularly harmful

These scams do not just cause financial loss — they can also involve identity theft and misuse of personal documents. Fake recruiters might reuse your CV, passport or certificates in other fraudulent activities. Victims may also miss real job opportunities because they are focused on a fake one that will never happen.

Quick tips
  • Genuine recruiters do not charge candidates placement or interview fees.
  • Always check that the recruiter’s email domain matches the company’s official website.
  • Look up the recruiter’s name on professional networks and compare details carefully.
  • Be extra careful when jobs involve relocation, visas or work permits combined with fees.

If a recruiter is asking for money or sensitive documents, pause and check — taking action early can prevent bigger damage.

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