Separate three identities
Record the brand, the legal employer and the contact’s name. An agency may be recruiting for a client: ask who signs the contract and which organisation manages the assignment. Connect the advertisement with a specific role.
The public Annuaire des Entreprises provides legal information about organisations. Compare the name, establishment and address. An existing SIRET does not prove a message came from that organisation: someone may have copied it.
Use an independent contact channel
Find the organisation’s website and published contact details yourself. Ask whether the person and job reference match an ongoing recruitment process. Avoid relying exclusively on contact details supplied in the message.
Check the actual sender address and domain rather than the display name. A difference may have a legitimate explanation, such as an authorised recruitment agency, but verify it. Keep a record of the confirmation.
Clarify the process and requested documents
Ask about the stages, people involved and purpose of each requested document. At the application stage, share information proportionate to the role. Reserve sensitive administrative documents for verified channels at the appropriate stage.
Upfront payments to obtain a job, artificial urgency or requests to receive and forward money are warning signs. A video call or copied logo is not sufficient reassurance. Pause document sharing while discrepancies remain unexplained.
Respond if you have already shared information
Keep the advertisement, messages and evidence. Report the listing to its platform and consult France Travail or Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr for response steps. If you shared bank details, contact your bank promptly.
Keep a short log of the incoming contact, independent check, result and decision. This helps distinguish a real company from an authenticated proposal; it does not certify the recruiter.
Frequently asked questions
Is a valid SIRET enough?
No. It identifies an establishment but can be copied by an impersonator. Verify the contact independently.
Should I pay for equipment before starting?
An upfront payment tied to a job promise needs immediate checking. Do not send money to an unauthenticated contact.
Sources and editorial method
The linked official resources support the factual points. The workflow, sample prompts and exercises are editorial suggestions. Sources may be in French.