Deepfake Job Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe

Job hunting is stressful enough, but the rise of sophisticated scams, including those using deepfakes, adds a new layer of danger. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), job scam losses totaled $450 million last year, with over 105,000 reported cases. 

However, these figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual problem. The FBI reports that only a small percentage of job scams are reported to authorities, largely due to victims feeling embarrassed or not realizing they've been scammed.

This means the true extent of job fraud is likely much larger than official statistics indicate, adding another layer of danger to the already stressful job-hunting process. 

When Technology Makes Deception Too Real 

A deepfake is a phony audio clip or video impersonating a real person to trick people. Deepfakes and other technologies are rapidly changing the landscape of job scams, making deception incredibly convincing and costly. Scammers are using this technology to impersonate recruiters and executives, create fake job postings, and even construct fake company websites. 

One finance worker recently lost $25 million after a video call with a deepfake of their company's CFO. The worker had initially suspected a phishing attempt because the scheme began with a message about a secret transaction, but those doubts were dispelled by the seemingly authentic video call, in which other participants appeared to be recognizable colleagues. This incident highlights the persuasive power of deepfakes and how they can overcome initial instincts to suspect fraud. 

Even security experts are vulnerable. KnowBe4, a security awareness training company, was recently duped by a "remote software engineer" for their internal IT AI team. The scammer slipped through the cracks despite a thorough hiring process, from job posting and resume review to four video interviews, background checks, reference verification, and even sending a company laptop.

Using a stolen, but valid, US-based identity and an AI-enhanced photo, the scammer successfully bypassed all checks. The laptop immediately began loading malware upon receipt. This incident, along with the multi-million-dollar CFO scam, underscores a critical point: No one is immune. Deepfakes are now a leading tool in elaborate job scams, with potentially devastating financial consequences.

Recognizing Modern Deception 

The sophistication of these scams is alarming, and as Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, explains, scammers are leveraging AI to target potential employees on a large scale. They use sophisticated methods that can make it harder for even tech-savvy individuals to identify fraudulent job postings or communication. To help you stay vigilant, here are some red flags to watch for: 

• Communication: Sudden shift to messaging apps, pressure to skip video calls, overly enthusiastic offers, unusual interview times, or requests for money/sensitive information early on. 

• Technical: Insistence on unfamiliar platforms, poor video/audio quality, robotic behavior, or requests to download "special" software or scan QR codes. 

• Company: There is no online presence (beyond the fake site), no verifiable contact information, or inconsistencies between the job description and the company's stated mission. 

Protecting Yourself Without Becoming Paranoid 

• Research Companies to Verify Legitimacy: 

  • Begin by thoroughly checking their website. Ensure it's secure (https://) and use Google Safe Browsing or WHOIS to confirm ownership and legitimacy. 

  • Verify their physical location by checking their address and phone number through Google Maps Street View, online business directories, or the Secretary of State's website for the state where the business is located. 

  • Check for their registration with relevant trade organizations, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or government authorities. 

  • Look for employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor to gauge company culture and legitimacy. 

  • Research the recruiter on LinkedIn and Facebook and verify their profile picture for consistency. 

• During the Process: 

  • Insist on real-time video conversations. 

  • Ask questions that require personal company knowledge. Watch for natural human behavior. 

  • Never share sensitive information like bank account details or Social Security numbers during the application process. 

  • Be extremely wary if asked to pay any money related to your hire. Legitimate employers rarely require payment beyond job-related items like uniforms or tools. For example, if a job asks you to buy a computer, send it to them for software, and promises to reimburse you with a check, this is a clear sign of a scam. 

When Things Go Wrong 

If you suspect a job scam, remember you're not alone, and taking action can protect you and others. 

• Report the Scam: Reporting suspicious job postings and interactions is crucial for helping authorities track and stop fraudsters. Report to: 

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov 

  • Better Business Bureau (BBB): BBB.org/ScamTracker 

  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov 

• Protect Yourself: If you've shared personal or financial information, take immediate steps: 

  • Contact your bank or credit card company to report potential fraud and discuss options like freezing your accounts and issuing new cards. 

  • Change your passwords for all online accounts, especially email, social media, and financial platforms. Choose strong, unique passwords for each. 

  • Consider placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report. You can usually do this through the three major credit bureaus: 

    • Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/ 

    • Experian: https://www.experian.com/ 

    • TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/ 

Reporting scams not only helps authorities track and stop fraudsters but also helps protect other job seekers from falling victim to similar schemes. Your report can make a difference. 

Moving Forward with Confidence 

Trust your instincts and look for signs. AI struggles to replicate human interaction perfectly. Natural eye contact, fluid movements, handling unexpected questions, and genuine emotion remain challenging.

Legitimate employers respect your caution. They know job hunting is a two-way street. Don't rush the process or feel pressured. Your dream job won't come with red flags. It will feel genuine. Stay informed, lean on your network, and trust your instincts. Your persistence and preparedness will pay off. 

Share this post to help protect your fellow job seekers! Leave a comment below if you've encountered a job scam. 

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As a Career Coach at Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN), Michael Robinson guides veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members toward fulfilling careers. Michael's experience spans diverse roles from hiring manager to career counselor, giving him unparalleled insight into both employment opportunities and candidate needs. Before joining the VSN, he served as a Department of Labor Transition Assistance Program (DOL TAP) Facilitator, guiding service members and their spouses through the nuances of the military-to-civilian transition.