The “dark side” of AI in tech recruitment: identity fraud and how to combat it
The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought remarkable innovations and opportunities across various sectors. However, in the recruitment industry, particularly in tech hiring, it has also enabled sophisticated forms of identity fraud. This growing challenge is especially prevalent in markets like Poland, where remote work opportunities and business-to-business (B2B) arrangements are common among IT professionals, as we explain in this video. As the role of AI in talent acquisition evolves, so too must the strategies for identifying and preventing fraud in the screening process.
The evolution of identity fraud in tech recruitment
Recent trends show an alarming increase in fraudulent applications, particularly targeting remote positions in the Polish tech sector. These cases often involve candidates, predominantly from Asian countries, creating elaborate false identities using common Polish names. For instance, “Adam Nowak” – one of Poland’s most frequently occurring names – has become a red flag when combined with certain suspicious patterns, making it a critical issue for HR teams and recruiters involved in talent acquisition.
Common deception patterns of IT professionals using AI tools
The fraudulent applications typically follow a sophisticated pattern that recruiters must identify in the recruitment process:
- Creation of profiles with common Polish names
- Professionally crafted CVs with perfect language
- Exclusive preference for fully remote positions
- Requests for B2B contract arrangements
These fraud attempts are often powered by Artificial Intelligence, making it crucial for recruiters to understand how generative AI tools can be misused by candidates to create convincing but false profiles. With the rise of AI solutions, HR teams must be well-equipped to distinguish between real top talent and fraudsters.
Real-world case study in IT recruitment
At ITSelecta, recruitment specialists have encountered numerous such cases. We’ve documented several instances where candidates with typical Polish names presented educational credentials from Asian institutions like Singapore universities. While international education isn’t inherently suspicious, these cases revealed concerning patterns when combined with other red flags, highlighting the importance of robust verification methods in AI recruiting. The screening process for top talent requires deeper insights and new tools in an AI-driven world.
Key verification challenges in the AI-driven hiring process
In the AI recruiting landscape, fraudulent applications often include:
Educational claims
Candidates falsely reference prestigious Polish institutions, such as:
- Copernicus University in Krakow
- Warsaw University of Technology
- AGH University of Science and Technology
- Poznan University of Technology
- University of Warsaw
- Częstochowa University of Technology
- Wrocław University of Technology
Contact information discrepancies
- Absence of Polish mobile phone numbers
- Exclusive use of landline numbers
- Reluctance to provide local contact details
Effective detection methods
At ITSelecta, we’ve developed efficient and straightforward verification processes and recruitment strategy with a focus on minimizing fraud throughout the recruitment process:
- Mandatory bilingual interviews (Polish and English)
- Thorough verification of educational credentials
- Local presence verification
These methods help recruiters stay ahead of fraud attempts and ensure the authenticity of the hiring process.
The language test – a simple but effective solution for recruiters in the hiring process
One of the most reliable verification methods remains the language test. When informed that part of the interview will be conducted in Polish, fraudulent candidates typically withdraw or show clear signs of hesitation. This simple approach has proven more effective than many complex verification tools, and it continues to be a valuable asset for recruiters seeking to streamline the screening process.
Impact of AI in recruitment on Polish tech hiring
While these verification methods are effective now, they may not remain so as technology evolves rapidly. New verification tools and strategies will need to be developed to counter increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts. As generative AI tools advance, HR teams and recruiters must stay ahead of these developments to ensure they can accurately identify best talent.
For companies seeking to protect their recruitment process from identity fraud while maintaining efficient hiring practices, working with experienced recruitment partners like ITSelecta who understand these challenges is crucial. Professional recruitment agencies with local market knowledge can provide the necessary expertise and verification processes to ensure authentic hiring outcomes.
Get in touch with our skilled team to save money and resources while recruiting in a marketplace with new challenges.