How do I check if a recruitment agency is legit?
A real agency is a registered company you can find on the CIPC register, has an office and a landline you can call, is paid by employers and never by candidates, and interviews you by phone, video or in person, not by WhatsApp text. Check each of these before you send any documents.
Scam agencies borrow the names of real ones and run from a WhatsApp number. Searching the agency's name with "scam" and phoning the real agency's switchboard to ask whether the recruiter works there exposes most of them.
How to check
- Search the agency on the CIPC register and compare the registered name with the name on the messages.
- Phone the agency on the number from its official website and ask for the recruiter by name.
- Any fee for candidates means it is not legitimate.
- Look for a physical address and visit if you can.
- Check the recruiter's number and email address for scam reports.
Frequently asked questions
- The recruiter has a LinkedIn profile. Is that enough?
- No. LinkedIn profiles are easy to create. Confirm with the agency directly.
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