How to Spot Fake Recruiters
A 5-minute verification routine to confirm whether a recruiter is who they claim to be.
Trust & Safety Team
AVENNIO
Verify the domain
Open the company website directly (do not click links in the message). Confirm the recruiter's email uses that same domain. Free email providers are an immediate red flag for senior corporate hiring.
Cross-check on LinkedIn
A real recruiter has a multi-year history, mutual connections in the UAE, and current employer alignment. A profile created within the last 30 days with stock photos is the most common scam pattern.
Request a short video call
Legitimate recruiters are happy to do a 10-minute screening on Zoom, Teams or Google Meet. Refusal — especially with excuses like 'our policy is WhatsApp only' — is one of the strongest red flags.
A note from AVENNIO
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For specific cases, consult MOHRE, ICP or a licensed UAE labour consultant. If anyone asks you to pay for a visa or job, report it on the AVENNIO scam tracker.
Keep learning
Other guides chosen for someone reading this one.
Common UAE Job Scam Warning Signs
Eight red flags that show up in almost every fraudulent UAE recruitment message.
UAE CV Format Guide
What UAE hiring managers expect on page one — and the international habits that hurt you.
Interview Tips for UAE Jobs
Cultural cues, common questions and the answers that build trust with UAE employers.