As summer rolls in, so does a sharp rise in employment and recruitment scams aimed at healthcare workers. With medical professionals constantly in high demand and many seeking flexible or supplemental work during this season, scammers are seizing the opportunity to exploit good intentions and tight schedules.

Let’s break down how these scams work, what red flags to watch for, and what steps to take if you’ve been targeted.

What Are Employment & Recruitment Scams?

These scams involve fake job postings, impersonated recruiters, or fraudulent offers that appear to come from legitimate healthcare institutions or staffing agencies. Their goal? To steal your personal and financial information—or worse, to manipulate you into sending money for “licensing,” “equipment,” or “background checks.”

Example 1: The Too-Good-to-Be-True Telehealth Job

A nurse practitioner receives a LinkedIn message offering a remote telehealth position with exceptional pay, minimal hours, and no patient contact. After a brief “interview” via messaging app, she’s sent onboarding forms asking for her Social Security number, direct deposit info, and a $150 “licensing fee.” The company disappears days later.

Example 2: The Staffing Agency Impostor

A phony recruiter claims to represent a well-known healthcare staffing firm. They use a spoofed email domain that looks almost identical to the real one and pressure applicants to “act fast” to secure the role, before demanding a background check fee via a peer-to-peer payment app.

How to Spot the Red Flags

Here are key indicators that a job offer might be a scam:

• Unprofessional communication: Grammar errors, vague job descriptions, or suspicious-looking email addresses (e.g., hr.stjohnshealthcare@gmail.com instead of @stjohnshealth.org).
• Requests for money up front: Legitimate employers never ask for payments to process applications, background checks, or equipment.
• Too-fast hiring process: No real interview? Instant offer? Be suspicious.
• Pressure tactics: “Limited slots left” or “urgent action needed” are common manipulation tricks.
• Untraceable communication methods: If they ask to move conversations to Telegram, WhatsApp, or personal email without verification, beware.
  

What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted or Victimized

If You Suspect a Scam:

1. Stop Communication Immediately – Don’t provide further information or money.
2. Research the Company – Use official websites or call HR departments directly to verify job listings.
3. Preserve Evidence – Save emails, screenshots, and contact details.
4. Report It – Notify your employer (especially if their name is being used), your state medical board, and file a report at:
   
   • IC3 – Internet Crime Complaint Center
   • Local law enforcement
     

If You’ve Already Shared Information:

• Contact Your Financial Institution Immediately – Stop payments and monitor accounts for unusual activity.
• Place a Fraud Alert – Contact one of the three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
• Report Identity Theft – Visit IdentityTheft.gov to create a recovery plan.
• Change Passwords – For any compromised email or financial accounts.
  

Final Takeaway

Medical professionals are pillars of trust, and scammers know it. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and never rush through any job application process. A little skepticism can go a long way in protecting your identity and finances.