Protect yourself from phishing scams and fraudulent hiring activity.
Please be aware of an increase in fraudulent hiring processes and phishing scams. Scammers may pose as Human Resources representatives, recruiters, or hiring managers to collect personal information or commit identity fraud.
Here is how to recognize and protect yourself from recruitment scams:
- Official E-mail Domain: All communications from Horace Mann will come from an e-mail address ending in “@horacemann.com”. Be cautious of emails from free, public e-mail accounts such as Yahoo, Gmail, Google, etc.
- No Fees or Financial Requests: Horace Mann will never ask you to pay fees, purchase equipment, or deposit a check as part of the hiring process.
- Interview Process: Depending on the role, our process typically includes 2-3 interviews, with at least one in-person or video interview (with cameras on and no virtual background) before making any hiring decisions. Fraudsters may skip interviews or conduct them via email and may ask you to complete suspicious documents (i.e., fake offer letters, questionnaires, or forms in .DOC or .PDF formats).
- Secure Platforms Only: Interviews are conducted directly with Horace Mann recruiters and hiring managers – never through third-party messaging or video apps.
- Realistic Timelines: The recruitment process can take time. Scammers often pressure applicants with unrealistic urgency to accept fake offers quickly. If it feels rushed or off, trust your instincts.
What to do if you suspect fraud?
Do not share your personal or financial information. Report the incident to your local authorities or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You may also notify us directly by emailing our Suspicious Activity Inbox at: SuspiciousActivity@horacemann.com.