yellow tree executive search scam: complaints by victims

 

What is Yellow Tree Executive Search?

Yellow Tree Executive Search is a boutique executive recruitment firm that specializes in placing C-level and senior-level executives across various industries. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Chicago, Yellow Tree has additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London.

The firm connects talent with opportunities through their global network and has a strong online presence including LinkedIn and their website. Yellow Tree prides themselves on offering personalized service and building long-term relationships.

However, as a legitimate company with an established brand, Yellow Tree has unfortunately become the subject of an elaborate impersonation scam targeting job seekers online in recent weeks. Let’s explore the details of this scam and how to spot and avoid it.

The Impersonation Scam

Beginning in late September 2022, numerous job seekers began reporting contact via WhatsApp from scammers posing as recruiters from Yellow Tree Executive Search.

The scammers claim to have current job opportunities that are a good fit for the job seeker and request they discuss further via WhatsApp for “confidentiality and efficiency”. However, Yellow Tree has confirmed they do not conduct business or communicate with candidates via WhatsApp.

If engaged further, scammers then attempt to trick victims into providing personal banking information, making fake job deposits, or paying vague “registration fees”. Their goal is stealing money and identities from unsuspecting professional job seekers.

Yellow Tree’s Response

The real Yellow Tree Executive Search was quick to make a public statement on their official LinkedIn page warning of this impersonation scam. They confirmed they do not initiate contact with candidates via messaging apps like WhatsApp and do not require payments of any kind.

Yellow Tree also reported the scam to the appropriate law enforcement authorities to be investigated. In following comments, they advised job seekers to be extremely cautious of unsolicited contacts on unconventional channels not associated with the actual firm.

By swiftly addressing this issue publicly, Yellow Tree helped raise awareness to help others avoid falling victim while also protecting their brand reputation from being associated with the deceptive activities of scammers. Their response was transparent and responsible.

How To Spot & Avoid The Scam

Some best practices for job seekers to spot and avoid this Yellow Tree Executive Search impersonation scam and similar deceptive tactics include:

• Be wary of unsolicited contacts, especially on messaging/social apps instead of official email/phone

• Hover over user profile links to check they match the legitimate company URL

• Verify all contact details match the company’s official website information

• Never provide financial details or make payments until thoroughly vetting opportunity

• Consult the company directly if unsure rather than solely engaging with individual

• Check for scam warnings on the company’s verified social profiles/statements

Staying alert to suspicious behaviors can help protect your personal data, finances, and overall job search experience from the fraudsters leveraging trusted brands. Due diligence pays off.

Conclusion

While impersonation scams undermine trust in the recruiting process, reputable firms like Yellow Tree Executive Search have shown responsible leadership in warning others and cooperating with authorities against the deceptive parties hijacking their name.

By raising awareness, all stakeholders can work to curb such unfair tactics targeting vulnerable job seekers. Staying informed, asking questions to the official company sources, and vetting unsolicited contacts thoroughly helps preserve the integrity of an otherwise legitimate recruitment industry.