Fake Online Interviews Emerging as New Cyber Fraud Trap for Job Seekers

Pune, 27th May 2026: With online recruitment becoming increasingly common, cyber criminals are now targeting job seekers through fake interview processes, suspicious verification requests, and identity collection scams.

Cyber safety agencies and digital security experts have warned that scammers are creating fake hiring journeys to trick candidates into sharing sensitive personal and biometric information under the pretext of recruitment. These fraudulent activities often involve fake recruiters, counterfeit company profiles, and unofficial verification procedures conducted during online interviews.

Authorities have advised candidates to verify recruiters and companies before sharing any personal details. Job seekers have also been cautioned against responding to unusual verification requests, especially those involving Aadhaar details, banking information, biometric data, OTPs, or video-based identity checks without proper authentication.

Cyber fraudsters are reportedly using tactics such as instant job offers, urgent interview scheduling, and promises of quick selection to pressure candidates into complying with suspicious demands. Experts have urged applicants to carefully examine official company websites, email domains, and online presence before participating in recruitment processes.

Officials have reiterated that genuine employers do not force candidates to share sensitive information without a legitimate and verifiable hiring process.

Victims of cyber fraud have been advised to report incidents immediately through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or via the official portal National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in).