Dodging Digital Deception: How to Spot Fake Recruiters and Shield Your Career Search from Phishing Scams

Stu Sjouwerman | Mar 12, 2024

Dice Recruiter Phishing ScamScammers are impersonating job-seeking platform Dice with phony employment opportunities designed to steal victims’ information.

“This week, Dice received reports that individuals are receiving messages from senders claiming to be Dice recruiters on various messaging apps,” the company says.

“The messages claim that there is a job opportunity for the recipient, but they appear to be phishing attempts. These individuals are in no way affiliated with Dice. If a recruiter who is a legitimate Dice client reaches out to you, they will contact you on a job site via their internal messaging service — or through the Dice platform using our messaging tool. If a recruiter who is recruiting internally for Dice or DHI Group, Inc. (our parent company) reaches out, they will contact you on a job site via their internal messaging service — or through a Dice/DHI Group, Inc. email (with a corporate email signature and contact information).”

Dice says job seekers should be on the lookout for the following red flags:

  • “Unrealistic Urgency: Phishing attempts often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into giving up information quickly. Phrases like "limited positions available" or "need your resume ASAP" should raise red flags. 
  • “Bad Grammar / Spelling Errors: If a message from a recruiter feels unprofessional, it’s a red flag.
  • “Suspicious Links and Attachments: Never click on links or download attachments from unsolicited emails or texts, even if they appear to be from Dice. We will always communicate through our official channels.
  • “Requesting Sensitive Information: Legitimate recruiters won't ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or login credentials upfront.”

The company adds that users should follow security best practices to protect themselves against social engineering attacks:

  • “Strong Passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for all your online accounts, including your Dice profile. Consider a password manager to securely keep track of them.
  • “Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email in addition to your password.
  • “Beware Social Sharing: Be mindful of what information you share publicly on social media platforms. Phishers can use this information to target you with personalized scams.”

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