Consumer Protection Tuesday: Spot and Avoid Employment Deepfakes

This post is part of a weekly Tuesday series at Coinbase about the latest consumer protection and security measures for crypto owners.

At Coinbase, we’re on a mission to help update the financial system to make it safer and more secure. While only 0.14% of blockchain transactions are used for illicit activity, and cash remains the preferred medium for illegal transactions, crypto security is always a top priority. Coinbase maintains a robust compliance program, which includes Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, sanctions screenings, suspicious activity reporting, and strong law enforcement partnerships to detect and prevent illicit activity on our platform.

A New Era of Employment Scams

From fake résumés to fake Zoom calls, scammers are turning to AI to create the illusion of legitimacy. It’s no longer enough to look out for typos or vague job listings—today’s employment scams are powered by realistic video avatars, cloned voices, and synthetic identities.

Both individuals and companies are being targeted. Job seekers may be tricked into handing over crypto or personal info, while hiring teams may unknowingly onboard bad actors posing as qualified candidates.

The Fake Job Offer: How Deepfake Employers Lure Victims

Picture this: You find a dream role online. The company looks real. The salary is competitive. The recruiter is responsive. The catch? None of it exists.

Scammers create entire fake companies—sometimes spoofing the branding of real firms—with phony websites, cloned LinkedIn profiles, and convincing interview processes. AI-generated video calls and pre-recorded "interviews" seal the illusion. 

Red flags:

• Confusing compensation structures that require you to buy crypto to "unlock" equipment or training.

• Requesting sensitive info like your passport, SSN, or banking details.

• Moving all communication off-platform to WhatsApp or Telegram.

Always verify a job offer by contacting the company directly through its official website or HR department.

The Fake Candidate: How Deepfakes Are Infiltrating Hiring

Now imagine the reverse: A skilled applicant applies for a remote position. The résumé checks out. The video interview looks normal. Still, this person may not actually exist.

Scammers are using deepfake avatars and voice synthesis to impersonate job candidates—especially for remote tech, finance, and customer support roles where face-to-face meetings are rare. The goal is to infiltrate the company, steal data, or move funds through internal systems.

Red flags:

• Laggy or unnatural video behavior during interviews.

• Inability to verify previous employment through reliable references.

• Dodging background checks or paperwork requests.

Implement identity verification tools and conduct multiple live interviews across departments when hiring remotely.

Protecting Yourself From Employment Deepfakes

Whether you're applying for a job or hiring talent, follow these security tips:

1. Never pay to get hired. Real employers don’t ask for crypto or wire transfers to begin work.

2. Confirm the contact. Cross-check emails, phone numbers, and job offers with official sources.

3. Beware of video inconsistencies. Deepfakes often glitch, lag, or avoid eye contact.

4. Ask questions that require real-time thinking. AI-generated avatars struggle with dynamic responses.

5. Report suspected fraud. If you think you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the platform where the contact occurred.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

The rise of employment deepfakes is a reminder that scams are evolving with technology. The good news? So are detection methods—and your awareness is the best line of defense.

At Coinbase, we believe education is a key part of online security. By knowing what to look for and sharing that knowledge with others, we can help build a safer ecosystem for everyone.

Whether you're building a career or building a team, be aware and always verify who’s on the other side of the screen.