same situation here 回复：猎头问我要reference,我该给吗？

It happened to my two ongoing job applications. Head hunters asked for references in the early stage especially if you were laid off.

I have the same concern. However if I wouldn't give out the reference info, the job applications could not be moved forward. Too many job seekers in the market. One head hunter told me he recieved over 70 resumes from local job seekers with the same background and experience as mine. Really shocked!