Is it okay for a recruiter to ask for sensitive information over the phone for an initial interview? [duplicate]

The name of the pictureThe name of the pictureThe name of the pictureClash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP





.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;







up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1













This question already has an answer here:



  • This Recruiter wants my Social Security Number?

    7 answers



I got a phone call from a recruiter for an "IT consulting firm" that wants to set up an interview for me with "HR." He has also sent me an email about this opportunity.



I got a second call, and he asked me about some experience with Windows 7. I said yes, but then he went on to ask me the first 2 digits of my birthday month and day (not year), and then he asked for the last four of my SSN (Social Security Number - US).



I did comply with the birthday, but was wary of giving my SSN over the phone, and questioned him. He said it's to verify my identity, so he can schedule me for an interview. It sounded suspicious, so I told him [as he suggested] to do some research and then get back with him.



I've worked at a bank for 2 years, I know how sensitive the SSN and DOB is. Should I trust this recruiter, or is this a scam?







share|improve this question














marked as duplicate by Chris E, gnat, yochannah, Michael Grubey, IDrinkandIKnowThings Mar 23 '15 at 20:46


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.










  • 2




    If you've worked for a bank, and know how sensitive this data is, you probably have a better idea than us of whether to trust an unknown person with it.
    – DJClayworth
    Nov 13 '14 at 20:23
















up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1













This question already has an answer here:



  • This Recruiter wants my Social Security Number?

    7 answers



I got a phone call from a recruiter for an "IT consulting firm" that wants to set up an interview for me with "HR." He has also sent me an email about this opportunity.



I got a second call, and he asked me about some experience with Windows 7. I said yes, but then he went on to ask me the first 2 digits of my birthday month and day (not year), and then he asked for the last four of my SSN (Social Security Number - US).



I did comply with the birthday, but was wary of giving my SSN over the phone, and questioned him. He said it's to verify my identity, so he can schedule me for an interview. It sounded suspicious, so I told him [as he suggested] to do some research and then get back with him.



I've worked at a bank for 2 years, I know how sensitive the SSN and DOB is. Should I trust this recruiter, or is this a scam?







share|improve this question














marked as duplicate by Chris E, gnat, yochannah, Michael Grubey, IDrinkandIKnowThings Mar 23 '15 at 20:46


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.










  • 2




    If you've worked for a bank, and know how sensitive this data is, you probably have a better idea than us of whether to trust an unknown person with it.
    – DJClayworth
    Nov 13 '14 at 20:23












up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1






1






This question already has an answer here:



  • This Recruiter wants my Social Security Number?

    7 answers



I got a phone call from a recruiter for an "IT consulting firm" that wants to set up an interview for me with "HR." He has also sent me an email about this opportunity.



I got a second call, and he asked me about some experience with Windows 7. I said yes, but then he went on to ask me the first 2 digits of my birthday month and day (not year), and then he asked for the last four of my SSN (Social Security Number - US).



I did comply with the birthday, but was wary of giving my SSN over the phone, and questioned him. He said it's to verify my identity, so he can schedule me for an interview. It sounded suspicious, so I told him [as he suggested] to do some research and then get back with him.



I've worked at a bank for 2 years, I know how sensitive the SSN and DOB is. Should I trust this recruiter, or is this a scam?







share|improve this question















This question already has an answer here:



  • This Recruiter wants my Social Security Number?

    7 answers



I got a phone call from a recruiter for an "IT consulting firm" that wants to set up an interview for me with "HR." He has also sent me an email about this opportunity.



I got a second call, and he asked me about some experience with Windows 7. I said yes, but then he went on to ask me the first 2 digits of my birthday month and day (not year), and then he asked for the last four of my SSN (Social Security Number - US).



I did comply with the birthday, but was wary of giving my SSN over the phone, and questioned him. He said it's to verify my identity, so he can schedule me for an interview. It sounded suspicious, so I told him [as he suggested] to do some research and then get back with him.



I've worked at a bank for 2 years, I know how sensitive the SSN and DOB is. Should I trust this recruiter, or is this a scam?





This question already has an answer here:



  • This Recruiter wants my Social Security Number?

    7 answers









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Nov 13 '14 at 20:42









Wesley Long

44.7k15100159




44.7k15100159










asked Nov 13 '14 at 20:12









Raul

262




262




marked as duplicate by Chris E, gnat, yochannah, Michael Grubey, IDrinkandIKnowThings Mar 23 '15 at 20:46


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.






marked as duplicate by Chris E, gnat, yochannah, Michael Grubey, IDrinkandIKnowThings Mar 23 '15 at 20:46


This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.









  • 2




    If you've worked for a bank, and know how sensitive this data is, you probably have a better idea than us of whether to trust an unknown person with it.
    – DJClayworth
    Nov 13 '14 at 20:23












  • 2




    If you've worked for a bank, and know how sensitive this data is, you probably have a better idea than us of whether to trust an unknown person with it.
    – DJClayworth
    Nov 13 '14 at 20:23







2




2




If you've worked for a bank, and know how sensitive this data is, you probably have a better idea than us of whether to trust an unknown person with it.
– DJClayworth
Nov 13 '14 at 20:23




If you've worked for a bank, and know how sensitive this data is, you probably have a better idea than us of whether to trust an unknown person with it.
– DJClayworth
Nov 13 '14 at 20:23










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
4
down vote













In the US it is not a practice to ask for that information before hire and no employer has a need for it unless you are hired. After you accept a position you may need to provide proof of age, if so required by the type of position. You will need to supply your social security number on your I-9 and W-4, both needed federal forms.



Never give that information before you have accepted a position. Furthermore, I would research this company and see what you can find out, especially in light of the fact that they contacted you.



If it is some type of phishing scam, that seemingly harmless and incomplete information is more than enough for them to cause you harm as it substantially narrows their search for your information. This 'recruiter' has essentially told you that as he says that he can verify your identity with it.






share|improve this answer





























    up vote
    3
    down vote













    Is this a scam? Yes. Even if it's not, it's way beyond sketchy and you shouldn't want to deal with them.



    Just some questions though, was this a cold call by the recruiter? Is this a company or head hunter? Is this a company you've applied to? Have you done research on the company? Have you ever met them in person on at their office?



    If everything has been done through email and on the phone, and you haven't actually seen the office, I'd bet it's a scam.






    share|improve this answer



























      2 Answers
      2






      active

      oldest

      votes








      2 Answers
      2






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      4
      down vote













      In the US it is not a practice to ask for that information before hire and no employer has a need for it unless you are hired. After you accept a position you may need to provide proof of age, if so required by the type of position. You will need to supply your social security number on your I-9 and W-4, both needed federal forms.



      Never give that information before you have accepted a position. Furthermore, I would research this company and see what you can find out, especially in light of the fact that they contacted you.



      If it is some type of phishing scam, that seemingly harmless and incomplete information is more than enough for them to cause you harm as it substantially narrows their search for your information. This 'recruiter' has essentially told you that as he says that he can verify your identity with it.






      share|improve this answer


























        up vote
        4
        down vote













        In the US it is not a practice to ask for that information before hire and no employer has a need for it unless you are hired. After you accept a position you may need to provide proof of age, if so required by the type of position. You will need to supply your social security number on your I-9 and W-4, both needed federal forms.



        Never give that information before you have accepted a position. Furthermore, I would research this company and see what you can find out, especially in light of the fact that they contacted you.



        If it is some type of phishing scam, that seemingly harmless and incomplete information is more than enough for them to cause you harm as it substantially narrows their search for your information. This 'recruiter' has essentially told you that as he says that he can verify your identity with it.






        share|improve this answer
























          up vote
          4
          down vote










          up vote
          4
          down vote









          In the US it is not a practice to ask for that information before hire and no employer has a need for it unless you are hired. After you accept a position you may need to provide proof of age, if so required by the type of position. You will need to supply your social security number on your I-9 and W-4, both needed federal forms.



          Never give that information before you have accepted a position. Furthermore, I would research this company and see what you can find out, especially in light of the fact that they contacted you.



          If it is some type of phishing scam, that seemingly harmless and incomplete information is more than enough for them to cause you harm as it substantially narrows their search for your information. This 'recruiter' has essentially told you that as he says that he can verify your identity with it.






          share|improve this answer














          In the US it is not a practice to ask for that information before hire and no employer has a need for it unless you are hired. After you accept a position you may need to provide proof of age, if so required by the type of position. You will need to supply your social security number on your I-9 and W-4, both needed federal forms.



          Never give that information before you have accepted a position. Furthermore, I would research this company and see what you can find out, especially in light of the fact that they contacted you.



          If it is some type of phishing scam, that seemingly harmless and incomplete information is more than enough for them to cause you harm as it substantially narrows their search for your information. This 'recruiter' has essentially told you that as he says that he can verify your identity with it.







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited Nov 13 '14 at 22:25

























          answered Nov 13 '14 at 20:55









          Cindy

          1857




          1857






















              up vote
              3
              down vote













              Is this a scam? Yes. Even if it's not, it's way beyond sketchy and you shouldn't want to deal with them.



              Just some questions though, was this a cold call by the recruiter? Is this a company or head hunter? Is this a company you've applied to? Have you done research on the company? Have you ever met them in person on at their office?



              If everything has been done through email and on the phone, and you haven't actually seen the office, I'd bet it's a scam.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                3
                down vote













                Is this a scam? Yes. Even if it's not, it's way beyond sketchy and you shouldn't want to deal with them.



                Just some questions though, was this a cold call by the recruiter? Is this a company or head hunter? Is this a company you've applied to? Have you done research on the company? Have you ever met them in person on at their office?



                If everything has been done through email and on the phone, and you haven't actually seen the office, I'd bet it's a scam.






                share|improve this answer






















                  up vote
                  3
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  3
                  down vote









                  Is this a scam? Yes. Even if it's not, it's way beyond sketchy and you shouldn't want to deal with them.



                  Just some questions though, was this a cold call by the recruiter? Is this a company or head hunter? Is this a company you've applied to? Have you done research on the company? Have you ever met them in person on at their office?



                  If everything has been done through email and on the phone, and you haven't actually seen the office, I'd bet it's a scam.






                  share|improve this answer












                  Is this a scam? Yes. Even if it's not, it's way beyond sketchy and you shouldn't want to deal with them.



                  Just some questions though, was this a cold call by the recruiter? Is this a company or head hunter? Is this a company you've applied to? Have you done research on the company? Have you ever met them in person on at their office?



                  If everything has been done through email and on the phone, and you haven't actually seen the office, I'd bet it's a scam.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Nov 13 '14 at 21:40









                  Tyanna

                  1,679710




                  1,679710












                      Comments

                      Popular posts from this blog

                      What does second last employer means? [closed]

                      List of Gilmore Girls characters

                      One-line joke