Hiring someone you’ve never met in person has become completely normal in today’s world. But what if the person on the screen isn’t real? The rise of deepfakes has led to AI-generated videos and voices that can now mimic real people with such convincing accuracy. So, don’t be surprised that even experienced recruiters can be fooled.
Think of it this way: you’re interviewing a candidate who answers every question smoothly. You then later discover that the face and voice are not genuine. Although it sounds like a sci-fi movie, it’s already happening. Companies have reported cases of fake video interviews and even AI-generated profiles. These tricks don’t just waste time; they can open the door to serious data breaches and fraud.
Artificial intelligence and deepfakes have become the new norm in today’s world. While these technologies can enhance human operations, they can also be used in unethical ways. And this has become a growing problem within the labour market.
Top organisations across the world now invest heavily in deepfake detection to protect their systems and ensure authenticity. Below are some benefits of implementing deepfake detection during the hiring process:
Companies can verify an applicant’s authenticity by using deepfake detection tools. This helps them determine if the person is as qualified and skilled as they claim to be. It also helps to detect falsified credentials and ensure that the right candidate is employed.
During job interviews, both sides tend to share sensitive information — candidates share their skills and experience. In contrast, employers share details about their internal systems, team structure, and sometimes even strategic goals. People can use deepfakes to pose as applicants and steal such details about an organisation.
Hiring unqualified or fake applicants can lead to legal issues and damage a company’s reputation within the industry. Companies in finance and healthcare now use deepfake detection to comply with recruitment guidelines. This helps them maintain their public image and enhance trust.
Recruiting new employees and onboarding them into teams requires time, money, and effort — all of which are valuable resources. With deepfakes in circulation, companies can lose these resources and risk their data falling into the wrong hands.
Technology has become a part of everything we do. While it often helps us work smarter, it also opens the door to new kinds of deception. Not everyone uses AI for good. In the wrong hands, it’s being used to trick employers and fake identities during the hiring process. Deepfakes, in particular, have started showing up in job applications, interviews, and even employee onboarding. Below are real-life examples of where deepfakes were used in hiring:
FBI Alert on Remote Job Scams
In June 2022, the FBI issued a warning after receiving multiple complaints about fraudsters using deepfake videos and audio during remote job interviews. These criminals were applying for tech-related positions that provided access to customer data or company information. They noticed their voice didn’t quite sync with lip movements, and coughing or sneezing would occasionally not match the visuals: signs that the identity had been forged using deepfake tools.
AI Voice Impersonation in Tech Interviews
Several cybersecurity firms have reported cases where job candidates used AI to clone voices in telephone interviews. A suspicious recruiter once noticed some discrepancies in the interviewee's vocal tone and response timing. This prompted further investigation, which revealed that the audio was generated using a voice synthesis tool.
Video Deepfakes on Online Profiles
An HR manager spotted inconsistencies in a candidate’s video resume. The face looked slightly off, especially around the mouth. Moreover, the lighting didn’t match the background. A forensic review confirmed that it was a deepfake intended to impersonate a senior-level applicant for a remote role at a multinational firm. Other notable real-life cases are:
Deepfake detection tools refer to key technologies that help companies identify manipulated images, videos, and even documents. There are several advanced technologies now available to detect deepfakes, and below is an overview of some of the most effective technologies used in today’s world:
AI-Powered Detection Tools
Biometric Verification
Metadata and Source Verification
Real-Time Detection Systems
Lip-Sync Detection Software
Social Graph Verification
Gone are the days when a fake resume was the biggest threat. Now, entire personas can be manufactured with convincing videos and cloned voices. These aren’t just isolated scams; they’re targeted attempts to infiltrate companies.
Deepfakes are a wake-up call for anyone involved in the hiring process. When someone can fake an entire identity, then “trust” in recruitment is now a thing of concern. As such, it’s no longer enough to just glance at a resume or have a quick video chat. Companies need to be on alert and a lot more careful.
Hiring officers should also trust their gut when something feels off. They should be trained to spot red flags, such as unnatural pauses during conversations, delayed or robotic responses, etc. It’s about protecting your team, your data, and your business. So, leave no stone unturned when tackling deepfakes.