If you received an email claiming to be from me and something felt off, you’re in the right place. Read this before you reply.
The short version
People have impersonated me. A fake LinkedIn profile using my name was reported and removed, and since then multiple job seekers have received emails from accounts using variations of my name, claiming to represent TRAP Recruiter while linking to my real website and LinkedIn profile to appear credible.
Those emails are not from me and are not affiliated with TRAP Recruiter. This has been reported to the appropriate platforms and authorities.
If you’re trying to confirm whether a message is really from me, the section below tells you exactly how I operate. If anything in your message doesn’t match, it isn’t me.
How I actually operate
- I never cold-email from personal accounts. Only @traprecruiter.com.
- I never ask for payment or sensitive financial or personal information — especially early in a process.
- I do not present roles without first establishing authentic, verifiable communication.
- I provide detailed role information and clear next steps.
- My name is spelled Keirsten. My company is TRAP Recruiter — not “Trap Recruiting.”
When in doubt, message me directly on LinkedIn and ask. I would rather answer a hundred “is this you?” messages than have one person get scammed.
How to spot fraudulent job outreach
This applies whether my name is involved or any other recruiter’s. Watch for:
- Email addresses that don’t match the company’s official domain
- Vague scheduling requests with no specific times or verified calendar links
- Inconsistent branding or incorrect company names
- Bare-bones signatures with just logos and social links — no phone number, no real contact information
- Name or company misspellings
- Generic language that mirrors public profiles but lacks role-specific details
- Pressure to act fast, or to move the conversation off-platform
- Requests for payment, financial information, or sensitive personal details early in the process
Legitimate recruiting outreach is specific, verifiable, and transparent.
What real outreach looks like
Across ethical recruiting, legitimate contact typically includes:
- Communication from a verified company email domain
- Clear details about the role, the company, and why you’re being contacted
- A legitimate scheduling method — an ATS scheduling tool, Calendly, or confirmed times
- A complete email signature with phone, email, and multiple verification methods
- Consistent spelling, branding, and professional tone
- A LinkedIn profile with the “Verified Recruiter” designation, where applicable
If you receive suspicious outreach
- Do not engage or click links
- Do not share personal information
- Report the message to the platform immediately
- Verify independently through the company’s official website or LinkedIn
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
To my fellow recruiters
This is bigger than one impersonation case. It’s about protecting the people we serve.
Job seekers are vulnerable during their search. Scams like this don’t just damage individual brands — they erode trust in our entire profession and expose candidates to financial fraud and identity theft.
Visibility, education, and swift reporting are how we protect the ecosystem. If you see suspicious activity using my identity, please report it and tag me.
To the job seekers who reached out
Thank you. Your vigilance protected others and gave me the opportunity to address this publicly. That is the proactive accountability that keeps our community safer.
Trust is the foundation of ethical recruiting. Protecting it is everyone’s responsibility.
— Keirsten
