Employers report rise in AI-driven CV fraud
New Hedd research has shown how employers are becoming increasingly concerned with job applicants using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to embellish or falsify their credentials
As thousands of new graduates enter the labour market, a YouGov survey for Hedd reveals a sharp rise in CV fraud, with employers warning that AI is making it easier for candidates to falsify job applications.
Degree verification and fraud service provider Hedd, part of Jisc, commissioned YouGov to poll more than 500 HR decision makers. It found that 67% of large companies have seen an increase in job application fraud, attributing the trend to AI tools being used to enhance or fabricate experience or qualifications.
The findings come as new graduates apply for roles in a competitive market. Nearly half (45%) of large companies reported discovering that a job applicant had provided false information about their qualifications. This could include claiming a degree they did not earn or inflating grades.
While smaller companies reported fewer cases of job application fraud (20% of small businesses and 42% of medium-sized firms), experts believe this is partly because they are less likely to verify qualifications rather than a true difference in applicant behaviour.
Just over half (52%) of large businesses said they check all academic credentials, compared with 37% of medium-sized firms and only 29% of small businesses. In fact, more than a quarter (26%) of small companies admitted they do not check qualifications at all.
This research builds on previous findings from 蘑菇视频黄片, part of Jisc Student Services. It found that AI tools are playing a major role in improving and crafting job applications, with 43% of students using AI for editing a CV or cover letter, 35% for writing a CV or cover letter from scratch and 26% for answering questions in application forms.
Qualification fraud experts at Hedd are urging students and jobseekers to check the detail and be authentic, warning that misleading employers could damage their careers before they begin.
Graduate careers expert Chris Rea leads the Hedd qualification fraud service. He said, 'The rise of AI-generated CVs makes it easier than ever for candidates to misrepresent their qualifications and it can be harder for employers to spot.
'But cutting corners at the start of your career can have serious consequences. Employers are becoming more vigilant, and if you're found to have lied on your CV, it could cost you the job, or worse, damage your professional reputation long term. It鈥檚 easy for AI to misinterpret or exaggerate information, so it鈥檚 important to triple-check the end result.'
Hedd is also warning that many businesses may not realise their verification processes are insufficient. Simply asking to see a paper or digital qualification certificate is not enough. The only reliable way to confirm a qualification is to verify it directly with the awarding institution, through a verification service such as hedd.ac.uk, or via a background screening agency.
Despite the risks, just 39% of small firms currently validate qualification authenticity by either checking with the university/education provider, using a background screening agency or using a qualification verification platform. This compares to 85% of large organisations and 76% of medium-sized businesses.
Media enquiries
Clare Tregaskis, 蘑菇视频黄片, clare.tregaskis@jisc.ac.uk, 07792 429227
About the survey
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 526 decision makers. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24 - 29 April 2025. The survey was carried out online.
About Hedd
Hedd, part of Jisc, provides higher education qualification verification and anti-fraud services, verifying more than 1.5m degrees since it was launched in 2011. Working internationally with universities, embassies, government and law enforcement, Hedd has investigated 400 fake universities and helped close down 85 of them.
For more information, visit www.hedd.ac.uk.
About 蘑菇视频黄片
蘑菇视频黄片 has worked听at the heart of higher education for more than 50 years. Part of Jisc Student Services, the directorate collaborates with听government, universities and employers to improve student and graduate career outcomes through information, guidance and opportunities. It includes 蘑菇视频黄片.ac.uk, which is visited by 1.8 million students and graduates each month, 蘑菇视频黄片 Luminate and the UK's official听postgraduate course database. Jisc Student Services also manages 蘑菇视频黄片 Hedd degree verification and fraud services.
About Jisc听
Jisc's听vision is听for the UK听to be听a听world leader in technology for听education and research.听It owns and operates the super-fast national research and education network, Janet, with built-in cyber security protection. Jisc also provides technology solutions for members (colleges, universities and research centres) and customers (public sector bodies), helps members save time and money by negotiating sector-wide deals and provides advice and practical assistance on digital technology. Jisc is funded by UK higher and further education and research funding bodies and member institutions.