How to spot a fake recruiter via SMS | Distinct

We’ve recently had reports of a pesky scammer who pretends to work for us via fake text messages.

We’re aware that they often go by the name Andy. We wanted to confirm that there is no one working at Distinct called Andy, nor are they affiliated with Distinct in any way. We suggest that you do not respond, and simply block them by following our advice below.

If you have received one of these messages, please rest assured that this is not part of a data breach. The scammer targets random phone numbers, the individuals affected do not appear in our database. If we have worked with you previously, any personal information that we hold remains safe and protected.

This is a widespread phishing scam, meaning many other recruitment agencies have also been impersonated. Below are a few telltale signs to help you recognize a scam text message via SMS.

 

How to spot a phishing or  scam text message:

• • We will never ask you to send personal information over text. This includes asking for your bank details, requesting that you pay a fee or to make a transfer
    
    

• • The fake recruiter uses a name that you can’t see on our meet the team page. Here you can see all of our lovely specialists and their legitimate contact details

 

• • If the message contains a link. These can contain malware so please avoid clicking on any links
    
    

• • If this is the first contact you’ve received from us and you weren’t expecting a message from our team
    
    

• • If it sounds too good to be true; think phony guarantees, astronomical salaries or an offer for a job you’ve not interviewed for. (You may be an excellent candidate, but you’ll still have at least one interview!)
    
    
  • Grammatical errors or poor spelling
    
    

• • A vague or badly written job advert.

What to do if you suspect you have been contacted by a scammer

There’s no need to panic if you receive one of these phishing messages. Just follow the steps below to protect yourself and prevent them from contacting you again. 

• • Do not respond or click any links in their message
    
    

• • Do not tell them any of your personal information 
    
    

• • Tap the contact’s name in the top header and click for more information. Here you can select ‘block this caller.’
    
    

Thank you to those who have already flagged scam text messages to us. If you’re still not sure whether a message is legitimate, feel free to give us a call at +1(617) 778-7134  or email [email protected].