The job-hunting process has gone digital — and so have cybercriminals. In 2025, a new form of social engineering emerged: AI-powered recruitment scams. Scammers are using generative AI chatbots to pose as HR recruiters from legitimate companies like Amazon, Microsoft, or Deloitte, reaching out via LinkedIn, Telegram, and WhatsApp.

These fake recruiters engage in realistic, context-aware conversations that feel authentic, using polished grammar and even referencing real job postings. Once trust is established, they request personal information, resumes, or small “application verification fees.” Some victims receive malicious “job forms” or “offer letters” embedded with info-stealing malware. The sophistication lies in automation — AI tools can respond instantly, mimic tone, and adapt to victim behavior, allowing scammers to run dozens of fake interviews simultaneously. Reports show a 40% surge in LinkedIn job scam cases globally since mid-2024.

The fallout is severe: stolen identities, drained accounts, and compromised corporate credentials. Companies must step up by implementing digital verification for recruiters and increasing user awareness. Job seekers should verify recruiters via company domains, never share sensitive info before official onboarding, and stay cautious of roles that sound too good to be true. AI may be reshaping recruitment — but in the wrong hands, it’s also redefining deception.