How to Identify Job Scams and Fake Recruiter Messages

Searching for a new role should feel exciting, not stressful. Unfortunately, employment scams have become more common in recent years, and fraudsters sometimes impersonate legitimate companies to target job seekers.

From time to time, we’re alerted to messages circulating online that claim to come from Altis team members and promote fake job opportunities. These messages may appear through text, WhatsApp, social media or other messaging platforms.

We want our candidate community to know what to watch for and how to protect yourself.

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Quick answer: How can you tell if a recruiter message is a scam?

Job scam messages often include one or more of the following warning signs:

• Requests for personal information such as your Social Insurance Number or banking details early in the conversation

• Messages sent through unfamiliar numbers or accounts claiming to represent a recruiter

• Requests for payment related to training, equipment or application processing

• Pressure to act quickly or respond immediately

• Links directing you to unfamiliar websites to submit personal information

If something about the message feels unusual or inconsistent, pause before responding and verify the source.

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How Altis communicates with candidates

Altis recruiters may contact candidates about opportunities by phone, email, LinkedIn or occasionally by text message. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Our team will NEVER:

• Ask you to share sensitive personal information such as your Social Insurance Number or driver’s licence through text message, social media or other unsecured channels

• Request payment at any stage of the recruitment process

• Direct you to an unrelated third-party website to provide personal details

• Message you from an email domain other than “name@altis.com”

• Conduct recruitment conversations exclusively through messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook

When personal information is required during the hiring process, it is collected securely through our official systems and Job Portal.

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Common signs of job opportunity scams

While scams can take many forms, some common red flags include:

Unexpected messages about a job you didn’t apply for
Fraudulent messages sometimes claim you’ve been “selected” for an opportunity without a prior application or conversation.

Requests for sensitive personal details
Scammers often ask for information such as identification numbers, banking details or copies of documents.

Pressure to move quickly
Urgent language designed to rush decisions can be a warning sign.

Unfamiliar links or websites
Messages that redirect you to unknown websites to submit personal information should be treated with caution.

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What to do if you receive a suspicious message

If you receive a message claiming to be from Altis that doesn’t seem legitimate:

• Do not engage with the sender

• Do not click on links or share personal information

• Delete the message and block the account

• Contact our team at candidatecommunity@altis.com if you’d like help verifying whether a message is genuine

We appreciate everyone who takes the time to flag suspicious activity. Sharing information helps protect the wider job-seeking community.

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Where to report job scams in Canada

If you believe you’ve encountered an employment scam, you can report it through these organizations:

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

• Competition Bureau Canada

• Your local police service if personal information or money has been shared

Reporting suspicious activity helps protect other job seekers and allows authorities to track emerging scams.

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Staying safe during your job search

Being cautious with personal information is an important part of any job search. If you’re ever unsure about a communication claiming to represent Altis, we’re happy to help confirm whether it’s legitimate.

And if you’re exploring new opportunities, our recruiters are always here to connect you with meaningful work in a safe, professional way.

For additional guidance on protecting yourself from employment fraud, explore our related resources and job search tips on the Altis blog.

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Job Scam Safety Checklist for Job Seekers

Before responding to a recruiter message, take a moment to check a few things:

✔ Does the recruiter have a professional email address tied to a company domain (not a personal Gmail or random account)?
✔ Can you find the recruiter or company online through a website or LinkedIn profile?
✔ Does the message avoid asking for sensitive personal information early in the process?
✔ Are you not being asked to pay for anything related to the job opportunity?
✔ Do the job details appear on the company’s official website or job board?

If any of these points raise concerns, it’s worth pausing and verifying the message before responding.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Job Scams

Do legitimate recruiters ask for personal information over text or social media?
Legitimate recruiters typically do not request sensitive personal information such as Social Insurance Numbers or banking details through text messages or social media. Personal information is usually collected securely through official systems later in the hiring process.

Are recruiter messages on WhatsApp or social media legitimate?
Some recruiters may use messaging platforms to communicate, but recruitment conversations rarely happen exclusively through apps like WhatsApp or Facebook. If a recruiter refuses to communicate through phone, email or official channels, it may be a red flag.

What should you do if you receive a suspicious job message?
Do not engage with the sender, avoid clicking links and do not share personal information. Instead, report the message to the company being impersonated so they can confirm whether it is legitimate.

Altis is a Canadian-owned staffing firm supporting organizations across the private and public sectors. We focus on relationship-driven recruitment, clear process and consistent delivery, helping employers hire with confidence and professionals build meaningful careers.