Candidate fraud on the rise

Employers are being urged to keep vigilant as cases of candidate fraud are continuing to grow.

In fact, trust all round, from both employers and candidates, is on the rise.

Loss of trust

First Advantage’s 2026 Global Workforce Trends Report has revealed growing candidate fraud as well as a loss of trust across the hiring process.

Figures show that 76% of hiring professionals have encountered falsified candidate employment details during the recruitment process, while nearly half (45%) say they have dealt directly with candidate identity misrepresentation.

According to the report, these are no longer isolated incidents but have become widespread across industries and regions.

At the same time, candidates are becoming increasingly cautious about the authenticity of job opportunities – 66% of recent candidates say they are concerned about applying for fake job postings, while more than 60% worry about employer-side identity fraud, including document forgery and impersonation.

For many, the hiring process itself now carries a heightened sense of personal and financial risk.

Fraud awareness is now universal

Commenting on the findings, Rolf Bezemer, General Manager International at First Advantage, said, “What this data shows clearly is that fraud awareness is now universal. Employers are grappling with misrepresentation and identity risk, while candidates are questioning whether roles and businesses are authentic. Trust when hiring can no longer be assumed. It has to be actively verified, communicated, and protected throughout the recruitment process.”

“The findings come as employers face increasing pressure to hire at speed while maintaining rigorous checks. With confidence weakening on both sides, background screening and identity verification are becoming essential not just for compliance, but for reinforcing legitimacy and trust throughout the hiring journey for candidates and employers alike.”

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