Important notice about recruiting scams
If something feels off, trust that instinct.
IQTalent has identified fraudulent messages from scammers impersonating individuals at our firms. These messages are typically sent through WhatsApp, text message, or personal email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook) and promote fake job opportunities designed to steal personal or financial information.
Recruiting fraud is rising across the industry. If you’ve received a suspicious message that appears to come from IQTalent, this page explains what to look for, what we will never do, and how to report it.
How IQTalent Contacts Candidates
Our process has rules. Scammers don't follow them.
IQTalent follows a formal, structured recruiting process for every search engagement. All legitimate communication from our teams comes from corporate email addresses ending in @iqtalent.com or @iqtalentpartners.com. We do not initiate contact through messaging apps, social DMs, or personal email accounts.
What IQTalent Will Never Do
Read this list. Scammers break every one of these rules.
IQTalent will never:
- Contact candidates from personal email accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc.)
- Ask candidates to move conversations to WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or any non-corporate messaging platform
- Request payment of any kind, including fees for job opportunities, training, assessments, background checks, or equipment
- Direct candidates to third-party services that require payment
- Request banking details, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or other financial information during the recruiting process
- Extend a job offer without a formal interview process
Legitimate recruiters are paid by the hiring organization. Candidates should never pay to be considered for a role.
How to Identify a Recruiting Scam
The red flags are consistent. Once you know them, they're hard to miss.
Recruiting scams targeting job seekers share common patterns. Watch for these signals:
The message comes from a personal email or messaging app.
IQTalent communicates exclusively from @iqtalent.com and @iqtalentpartners.com domains. Any outreach from a Gmail, Yahoo, or similar account is not from us.
You're asked to pay for something.
Fees for training, equipment, background checks, or “processing” are hallmarks of fraud. We never charge candidates.
The opportunity sounds too good to be true.
Vague job descriptions paired with unusually high compensation for minimal qualifications are designed to get you to respond before thinking critically.
You're pressured to act fast.
Scammers create urgency. A real recruiting process gives you time to evaluate, ask questions, and make informed decisions.
You're asked for sensitive personal information early.
Legitimate employers collect Social Security numbers, banking details, and identification through secure onboarding systems after a formal offer, not during initial outreach.
How to Report Recruiting Fraud
What Our Hiring Economics Look Like
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from IQTalent, take these steps:
1
Do not engage. Do not reply, click links, or share any personal information.
2
Block the sender. Block the phone number or email address immediately.
3
Report the scam to the appropriate authority in your country.
4
Verify with us directly. If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate, contact IQTalent through our official websites to confirm.
United States
Agency
Federal Trade Commission
Website
ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Canada
Agency
Federal Trade Commission
United Kingdom
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. IQTalent never charges candidates any fees. Our recruiting services are paid for by the hiring organization. If someone claiming to represent IQTalent asks for payment, it is a scam.
Check that their email ends in @iqtalent.com or @iqtalentpartners.com. You can also verify their name against the team pages on iqtalent.com. If you’re still unsure, contact us directly through our websites.
If you shared financial information, contact your bank immediately. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (US), the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (Canada), or Action Fraud (UK). Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.
Recruiting scams exploit the trust candidates place in professional firms. Scammers use the names of established companies like IQTalent to appear credible, then use that trust to collect personal data or money. The practice is increasing across the recruiting industry globally.
No. IQTalent follows a formal interview process. We do not conduct interviews, extend offers, or discuss opportunities through WhatsApp, Telegram, text message, or personal email accounts.
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