What Happened?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a cyber safety warning about scammers using fake job interviews and AI-powered biometric verification processes to steal personal information from job seekers.
According to the advisory, fraudsters are creating convincing recruitment journeys that resemble genuine hiring processes, including online interviews, verification calls, and digital onboarding procedures.
How the Scam Works
Scammers begin with what appears to be a legitimate job offer and then ask candidates to participate in online interviews or verification steps.
In some reported cases, applicants were asked to complete video verification involving facial recognition, eye scans, or other biometric checks. Authorities warn that this information may later be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or unauthorized access to identity-linked systems.
Warning Signs
• Requests for facial scans, eye scans, or biometric verification during recruitment
• Pressure to complete verification immediately
• Recruiters using unofficial email addresses
• Job offers that promise instant selection
• Requests for Aadhaar details, banking information, or sensitive personal data early in the hiring process
• Companies that cannot be verified through official websites or online presence
How to Stay Safe
Always verify recruiters through official company websites and email domains before sharing personal information. If you are given a suspicious link you can check with a trusted URL & Website Safety Checker.
Never provide biometric data, Aadhaar details, banking information, passwords, or other sensitive information unless you have independently verified the legitimacy of the employer and the purpose of the request. Genuine employers follow structured hiring processes and do not pressure candidates into sharing sensitive information.
Source
Original reporting by Ministry of Home Affairs advisory covered by The New Indian Express.