Why do recruiters ask for my Social Security number?

Scam stories are all too common these days, making even ordinary interactions feel suspicious. When an unknown number rings, you might answer with an eye roll. If someone claims to be your bank manager, you likely hang up without a second thought.

If that sounds all too familiar, it’s because scam calls and phishing attempts have become a persistent nuisance—and unfortunately, they’re nothing new in the recruitment industry.

Why do recruiters need this information?

Falling victim to a recruitment scam can have serious and lasting consequences. Losing personal information or banking details is a nightmare no one wants to endure.

But what if, during an initial phone call, a recruiter asks for personal information like the last four or five digits of your Social Security Number (SSN), your date of birth, or even your middle name? It might feel uncomfortably similar to a scam—but is it?

The short answer is yes, it can be legitimate. Here's why:

Recruiters, especially those working with third-party staffing agencies, often request this information for valid reasons. These agencies' clients—the companies hiring through them—require personal details to:

Verify your identity

This ensures you're distinguishable from other candidates with similar profiles.

Track the recruitment process

Information like Social Security numbers helps recruiters manage your application within the client’s vendor management system.

Gain your consent

Sharing this information is a verbal signature, showing the client that the recruiter has spoken with you and is submitting your application with your approval.

As Izabella Vieira, a Sales Consultant at Airswift, explains:

This information is used to ensure we have your consent to represent you, verify your identity, and track the recruitment process through their vendor management system. It’s all according to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

A great tip for job hunters is If you feel uncomfortable sharing this information, verify who you’re speaking with, check the company or agency’s website, and confirm that the job is posted there.

If you’ve read that recruiters rarely ask for such information, you’re partially correct. Internal recruiters working directly for companies may not require these details early on.

However, staffing firms often do—especially when working with mid-size to large companies. These requirements are typically non-negotiable, meaning recruiters can’t submit your application without them.

How to stay safe

If you’re uncomfortable sharing personal information during a phone interview, ask if there’s an alternative method, like an online application. Reputable agencies should offer secure forms to collect your details.

However, trust your instincts if the recruiter seems pushy or you suspect foul play. It’s always better to verify the agency’s legitimacy before sharing sensitive information. Always keep a look out for any red flags that can help you spot a fake recruiter.

While it’s natural to be cautious, remember: not every recruiter asking for personal details is part of the "spam brigade." Some requests are simply part of getting you closer to your next job opportunity.

How to verify the recruiter and the job opportunity

It’s essential to ensure the recruiter and the position they’re offering are legitimate. Here are some tips to help you confirm the authenticity of a recruiter and the job they represent:

Check their LinkedIn profile

Look for the recruiter’s LinkedIn profile to verify their professional background. A legitimate recruiter will usually have a complete profile, including their role, company, and work history. If they’re from Airswift, you’ll see our branding and job-related posts that align with our business.

Examine their email address

Legitimate recruiters will use a professional email address associated with their company. For example, recruiters at Airswift will always use an email address ending in @airswift.com. Be cautious of generic email addresses, such as those from free providers like Gmail or Yahoo.

Beware of upfront fees

Authentic recruiters will never ask candidates to pay fees for job placement or application processes. If someone requests payment, it’s a major red flag.

Confirm company details

For roles connected to Airswift, look out for consistent branding, such as logos, and reach out to us directly via our website if you’re unsure about the recruiter or the job.

Looking for your next role?

At Airswift, we’re dedicated to connecting professionals in the energy, process, and infrastructure sectors with the right career opportunities.

Sign up with our candidate portal today to discover current openings in your field.