Fake Job & AI Interview Scams
Fake job postings and AI-powered interview scams stealing personal information or money for training.
What is this scam?
Scammers post fake job listings on legitimate job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter) or create fraudulent recruitment websites. They use AI to:
- Generate convincing job descriptions and company profiles
- Conduct automated "AI interviews" via chatbot or video
- Send personalized recruitment emails at scale
- Create fake HR representatives and company websites
The goal is to steal your personal information (SSN, banking details, identity documents) or charge fees for training, background checks, or equipment that will never arrive.
šHow This Scam Works
- Fake posting on real platforms: Scammers post jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter using AI-generated descriptions
- AI-powered screening: Application triggers automated AI chatbot "interview" via email or portal
- Data collection: Chatbot asks for SSN, DOB, bank info "for payroll setup" during fake onboarding
- Fake offer letter: AI generates professional-looking offer with company letterhead
- Payment scam: Request payment for background check ($50-200), training materials ($300-500), or equipment
- Money mule setup: Some scams make you receive/forward packages or payments (making you unknowingly part of fraud)
- Identity theft: Stolen data used to open credit cards, file fake tax returns, or sell on dark web
š©Red Flags to Watch For
- ā¢Job offer arrives within hours of applying, with no real interview
- ā¢Company website looks new or unprofessional (check domain age)
- ā¢Interview is entirely via chatbot or automated video with no human contact
- ā¢Requests for SSN, bank account, or passport scans before formal job offer
- ā¢Asks you to pay for training, equipment, background checks, or certifications
- ā¢Payment requested via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
- ā¢Salary seems too high for the role and requirements
- ā¢Company email uses Gmail/Yahoo instead of company domain
- ā¢No verifiable company address or phone number
- ā¢Pressure to "act fast" or "limited positions available"
š”ļøHow to Protect Yourself
- 1Research the company independently (not just their provided website)
- 2Verify job posting directly on company's official careers page
- 3Google the company name + 'scam' to see if others have reported it
- 4Never pay money to get a job (legitimate employers don't charge fees)
- 5Don't provide SSN or banking info until after a verified job offer
- 6Insist on a live video call with a real person, not just AI chatbot
- 7Check company domain age (use WHOIS lookup) - brand new domains are suspicious
- 8Look up recruiters on LinkedIn to verify they actually work for the company
- 9Be skeptical of jobs that require no experience but offer high pay
- 10Trust your gut - if it feels too easy, it probably is
šIf You've Been Targeted
- Stop all communication with scammer
- Report to relevant authorities
- Secure your accounts (change passwords)
- Monitor for identity theft
- Warn others in your network
šReport & Get Help
Report fraud and get support through these official resources in your country:
š¬š§United Kingdom
- Action Fraud
UK fraud reporting
Learn More
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