Don’t Get Scammed: How a Trusted Outsourcing Partner Protects You

Trust matters more than ever when choosing a partner to help find the Right People for your business. Need proof? Look no further than the June 30 announcement that over 100 companies had been scammed into hiring fake remote IT workers—North Korea operatives posing as legitimate remote IT workers who committed data extortion and took proprietary and sensitive data, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Unfortunately, this is likely not the last time we’ll be reading headlines like “Fake IT Worker Scam Costs Companies Millions.” Fortunately, there is a way organizations can tackle this type of risk head-on and not become part of the next cautionary tale.

“The recent revelation that so many companies were deceived into hiring those fake North Korean IT workers underscores a critical truth for today’s business leaders,” says ECLARO Co-Founder Paul Sheridan. “Choosing the right outsourcing and offshoring partner is not just a matter of cost or convenience. It’s a matter of trust, security and business continuity.”

“In a global talent market that’s more complex and interconnected than ever, the risks of working with unvetted or unreliable providers have never been higher,” adds ECLARO Co-Founder Tom Sheridan. “The North Korean worker scam is a stark reminder that sophisticated bad actors can infiltrate even the most tech-savvy industries, putting your company’s data, reputation and compliance at risk.”

Working with a trusted partner like ECLARO and it's years of experience in outsourcing and offshoring in the Philippines mitigates these risks by delivering proven processes, rigorous vetting and a commitment to transparency at every step. 

Rigorous Security, Screening and Compliance Are Non-Negotiable

The global workforce is more accessible than ever, but this accessibility comes with risks. Sophisticated scams can slip through the cracks of lax vetting processes, exposing your business to fraud, data breaches, and legal liabilities. Top-rated firms like ECLARO implement rigorous background checks, skills verification, and compliance protocols that go far beyond the industry minimums. This level of diligence is your best defense against the kind of deception that recently made headlines.

“The best outsourcing firms act as strategic partners, not just vendors,” Paul Sheridan says. “They take the time to understand your business goals, culture and unique needs, providing tailored solutions that go beyond filling seats. This partnership approach ensures your offshore teams are aligned with your mission and values—that’s a critical safeguard against the risks of anonymous, unvetted labor that can come from a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Proven Track Record Reduces Risk

ECLARO’s inclusion in the 2025 Global Outsourcing 100—an annual listing by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP)—and Outsource Accelerator Global Outsourcing Firm Index Top 100 are more than badges of honor.

“They’re a testament to ECLARO’s commitment to excellence, innovation and ethical business practices,” Tom Sheridan says. “The evaluation process for these lists considers client references, innovation and corporate social responsibility, ensuring that only the most reputable providers are recognized. We’re proud to be on these lists year after year.”

When you choose a recognized leader, you’re not just buying a service—you’re investing in a partnership built on experience and accountability. ECLARO’s reputation is built on years of successful placements, client and talent satisfaction, and industry recognition. This history of reliability means you can trust the people working on your projects are exactly who they claim to be, with the skills and integrity your business demands.

End-to-End Transparency

Scams thrive in environments where transparency is lacking. Top outsourcing and offshoring providers offer clear, open communication at every stage, from candidate sourcing and vetting to onboarding and ongoing management.

“With ECLARO, you always know who is working for you, where they’re located and how they’re performing,” Paul Sheridan says. “This kind of transparency is essential for building trust, as well as ensuring compliance with international labor and data protection laws, but it’s also essential in building highly functioning teams for our clients—teams that are continuously improving. Our proprietary continuous improvement model—called TRINIT-E—and customized engagements ensure that outsourced teams are supported, monitored and developed over time. This proactive approach helps prevent issues before they arise.”

Lessons from the Latest Scams

Every company’s data security, reputation and business continuity depend on partnering with providers who deliver not just talent, but trust and transparency.

“The recent North Korean worker scam is a wake-up call for every business that relies on remote or offshore talent,” Tom Sheridan says. “It demonstrates how easily gaps in oversight can be exploited and how damaging the consequences can be—from intellectual property theft to regulatory penalties and beyond.

“This is why we say that exercising old-fashioned due diligence is more important than ever,” he continues. “This means not just trusting certifications or resumes at face value, but working with partners like ECLARO who have the resources, expertise and commitment to verify every detail. The right provider will help shoulder the risk of increasingly complex global hiring, giving you peace of mind and always delivering the Right People.”