Scammers are sending fake job offers using recruiter Marie Mikelson’s name and a fake Gmail address. Here’s how ProFound Staffing candidates can verify a real opportunity.
Over the past month, I have received several messages from professionals who were contacted by someone impersonating me — Marie Mikelson — using my name paired with a fake Gmail address to push a fake job opportunity and try to steal their information. SCAM ALERT The biggest red flag: I never email candidates from Gmail account. If a message claiming to be from me comes from a personal Gmail (or any free email address), it is not me. Facts to know: Fact #1 – How I actually reach out. When contacting candidates about a job opportunity, I only reach out through LinkedIn InMail or my verified company email address. Fact #2 – Legitimate recruiters do not ask for sensitive information. Legitimate recruiters do not ask for sensitive personal or financial information over email or InMail. Do not give anyone your personal financial information when interviewing for a job. Fact# 3: What ProFound Staffing actually does. ProFound Staffing only works on legitimate job opportunities. We specialize in direct hire recruiting for senior-level information technology, software development, technical leadership, engineering, professional services and corporate operations roles in the United States. Other Red flags to watch for when you receive a fake job opportunity Beyond the fake email address, scammers impersonating recruiters tend to share a few patterns: Pressure to respond immediately or “act fast” before the role is gone A salary or offer that seems unusually generous for a vague or loosely described role Executive positions overseas – again we only work on positions in the USA. Requests for personal details (SSN, bank info, ID scans) before you have even had a real interview How to report fraudulent email? Do not click, do not reply, do not share any information. Report it to LinkedIn: LinkedIn Report it to Google: Google Thank you to everyone who has alerted me that you received one of these fraudulent messages – that is exactly how we protect each other from these scammers. Stay sharp out there! Feel free to contact me anytime you want to verify whether an opportunity claiming to be from me is real. Marie Mikelson | President | Recruiting Consultant | Technical Recruiter
Important Security Alert: Protecting Our Job Seekers from Phishing Scams
At ProFound Staffing, Inc., your security is our top priority. We’ve observed an increase in phishing attempts targeting job seekers through fraudulent emails and text messages. Please read this important notice about how to protect yourself and recognize legitimate communications from our team. How ProFound Staffing, Inc. Communicates with Candidates We want you to know exactly how our recruiters will—and won’t—contact you: Legitimate ProFound Staffing, Inc. Communications: Emails will ONLY come from @profoundjobs.com domains Initial phone calls from 713.568.1909 Official LinkedIn messages from verified ProFound Staffing, Inc. recruiters Scheduled video interviews through our official platforms ProFound Staffing, Inc. Will NEVER: Ask for your bank account information Request payment for job opportunities Send job offers via text message Ask for your Social Security number via email Ask you about your age Conduct interviews through non-business messaging apps Request gift cards or money transfers Send emails from free email services (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) Recent Phishing Tactics to Watch For Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods. Be alert for: Text or WhatsApp messages claiming to be from “ProFound Staffing USA” or similar variations Emails about “Urgent job opportunities” requiring immediate personal information Emails offering to send job descriptions Emails for remote freelance job and/or flexible schedule Emails asking if your age requirements is between 20-70 years Emails asking if you live in the United States, Canada or Europe Messages with poor grammar or spelling errors URL address of HTTPS://profoundjobs.com Requests to download attachments from unknown sources Job offers without an interview process Communications pressuring you to act quickly Learn more about job ad scams: Scammers are hijacking job ads. Here’s how to spot the fakes Learn more How to Recognize and Report a Spam Text Messages How to Protect Yourself Verify the Sender Double-check email addresses carefully Look for slight misspellings of “profoundstaffing.com” or “profoundjobs.com” Be wary of emails from free email services Think Before Clicking Hover over links to preview URLs Don’t download unexpected attachments Never share sensitive information via email Trust Your Instincts If something seems suspicious, it probably is Take time to verify communications Contact us directly if you’re unsure Report Suspicious Activity If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from ProFound Staffing, Inc.: Do not respond or click any links Forward suspicious emails to our Contact Us page Take screenshots of suspicious texts Delete the suspicious message immediately Contact your ProFound Staffing, Inc. recruiter through our official channels File a report with the Federal Trade Commission Contact Us Securely If you have questions about any communication claiming to be from ProFound Staffing, Inc.: Call us: 713.568.1909 Remember: Legitimate opportunities don’t require upfront payments or sensitive personal information through unsecured channels. When in doubt, reach out to us directly through our official contact information above.