Recruiter reached out to me in Oct 2020, and they needed my references even before interviews stating that the client wants to make sure that the candidate can do the job! Recruiter is a new hire came from another industry and the Account Manager was directing the whole process from their San Mateo/San Francisco office. The recruiter immediately ruled that I meet the requirements of machine learning and programming. But back and forth communication on reference contacts despite LinkedIn testimonies. They would not submit me until references are checked out! Sounds fishy - It appears they even sent me a fake job description. They just want my contacts for their own purposes. And they refused to tell the hiring manager's name nor the title! Scamming job seekers. They are after my business contacts for their purposes wasting my time - win-loose partnership. Unprofessional "Professional Recruiting" Firm!