AI-Fueled Job Scams: Are You Hiring a Human or a Deepfake? Simple Tricks to Stay Safe.

AI fraud fuels distrust, job scams surge. Extreme verification, creative hiring tactics & simple checks fight deception, but paranoia has costs, affecting research. Common sense is key.

• AI-driven fraud is eroding trust: People are increasingly verifying every online interaction due to the rise of AI-generated fake personas and deepfakes.

• Job scams are skyrocketing: Reports of job and employment-related scams nearly tripled from 2020 to 2024, with losses increasing from $90 million to $500 million, according to the FTC.

• Verification methods are becoming extreme: People are using multi-step background checks, testing language skills, requesting video calls with cameras on, and even sharing code words to ensure they're not being misled.

• The "lo-fi" approach is effective: Simple techniques like emailing or texting during a conversation can help verify someone's identity.

• Hiring managers are getting creative: Some are asking rapid-fire questions about local areas or using the "phone camera trick" to detect deepfake technology.

• Paranoia has a cost: Constant verification creates distrust and wastes time.

• Researchers are also affected: Academic studies are facing challenges with fraudulent participants, forcing researchers to become digital forensics experts.

• Common sense can help: Be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true, such as substantially higher salaries or unlimited vacation time.