Sophisticated con artists aren’t just using AI and deepfake technology to steal your identity and money — global fraudsters posing as U.S. job seekers are out to steal jobs and salaries too

The tricks of the deepfake trade

Fraudulent candidates now use a range of generative AI tools to scam their way through nearly every part of the hiring process.

AI can fabricate photo IDs, generate polished LinkedIn profiles and even simulate real-time answers in video interviews. Some scammers use remote desktops to route their traffic through the U.S., making it appear as if they’re logging in from within the country.

These scammers aren’t just stealing jobs. Once hired, imposters can install malware, steal sensitive customer data or divert money to foreign adversaries — like North Korea.

“Every time we list a job posting, we get 100 North Korean spies applying to it,” said Lili Infante, CEO of CAT Labs, a Florida-based startup related to cybersecurity and cryptocurrency.

The U.S. Justice Department alleges that 300 American companies hired people linked to the North Korean regime. The department says the workers stole American identities to get remote IT jobs and then funneled million to North Korea.

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How AI imposters are affecting the job market

The rise in fake applicants doesn’t just pose a cybersecurity threat. It could slow down hiring across the board.

The cost of Legitimate candidates face longer wait times as companies are forced to double-check résumés, verify identities, and flag suspicious activity. These delays drive up costs.

Some companies are turning to third-party verification services like Jumio, Socure, and iDenfy. Others, like Pindrop, are developing in-house video authentication tools.

But as deepfake and identity-masking tools improve, experts warn the problem may get worse before it gets better.

The research and consultancy firm Gartner predicts that by 2028, one in four job candidates globally will be fake.

“Folks think they’re not experiencing it,” said Ben Sesser, CEO of BrightHire, an HR tech company, “but I think it’s probably more likely that they’re just not realizing that it’s going on.”