These costly recruiter and résumé writer scams are targeting executives
A recruiter reaches out. They tell you you’re a good candidate for a senior role or board seat. The opportunity is plausible, but edging into the too-good-to-be-true zone. That’s exactly what happened over a year ago to an operations executive who contacted me. I’m an executive and board résumé writer. They wrote: “I want to confirm you’re the person I’ve been communicating with about the résumé…
A recruiter contacted an operations executive, claiming they were interested in a senior role or board seat at [X Hospital]. The executive was initially skeptical but was assured by the recruiter that they had previously communicated. The executive replied that no such communication had occurred. The recruiter followed up, stating they had been working with someone from the hospital to update their résumé.
The executive decided to stop communication and verify their identity before proceeding further. Another executive fell victim to the scam, paying several hundred dollars to an impersonator after being directed by a supposed board advisor. The scam involves multiple red flags, including the use of personal email addresses, requests for payment, and creating a sense of urgency.
To protect oneself, it is crucial to verify the recruiter's identity by asking them to email from their corporate domain, comparing the domain with the company's official website and email addresses, and being wary of any unusual requests. If suspicions arise, it is advisable to cease communication and report the suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
