What are fake applicants?

Fake applicants are individuals or automated systems (like bots) that submit job applications without a genuine interest in the role or those actors who have malicious intent when applying to a role. These submissions often contain false or misleading details, such as fabricated work histories, mismatched names or generic, unrelated experience.

On Indeed, fake applicants can show up for a variety of reasons. Some may be attempting to gather employer information, test hiring software or carry out phishing scams. Others are less malicious and may involve applications sent in bulk as part of low-effort spam activity.

While not always intended to cause harm, fake applications can still slow down your hiring process and distract from real candidates.

Identifying fake applicants on Indeed

Fake applications may appear legitimate at first glance, but small details or patterns can indicate that something isn’t right. These can show up both in the application itself and in the applicant’s behavior.

Recognizing signs of fake applications

Catching these red flags in applications can keep you from wasting time on applications that aren’t genuine. Here are some common things to watch for:

• Inconsistent information: Details that don’t line up across the resume, cover letter and application. For example, mismatched job titles, dates or contact info.

• Generic resumes: Applications that seem copied and pasted, with vague skills or experience that aren’t related to the role.

• Suspicious email addresses: Email addresses that look random or off. For example, ones filled with numbers or names that don’t match the rest of the application. Indeed-related emails will only come from @indeed.com or @indeedemail.com. Be wary of emails from a candidate that you haven’t contacted.

• Poor grammar and spelling: Lots of errors or confusing wording throughout the application. While some genuine candidates may have minor mistakes, a consistently high number of errors can be a red flag.

• Missing or incomplete information: Applications that lack essential details, such as work history, education or contact information.

• Unrealistic qualifications: Claims of experience or credentials that don’t match up with the person’s potential time in the workforce, background or the rest of their application.

Common red flags in applicant behavior

Sometimes, the way an applicant interacts during the hiring process can raise concerns, even if the application itself looks fine. Here are a few things that might stand out:

• Rapid application submissions: The candidate applies to many jobs at your company in a short period, especially roles that don’t match their background.
• Avoiding job-specific questions: The applicant struggles to answer basic questions about the job, their work experience or companies listed on their resume during interviews or screening calls.
• Unwilling to share additional information: When asked for references, documentation or anything to help confirm their experience, the applicant pushes back or avoids the requests.
• Sharing suspicious files or links: The applicant sends unexpected documents, links or requests that feel out of place, especially early in the process. Avoid opening unexpected attachments, especially those with unusual file extensions (.zip, .jar, .js).
• Video interviews that don’t feel right: During the video interview, you notice delayed responses, unnatural facial movement or mismatched audio. This could be a sign of a deepfake during the video interview.
• Inconsistent communication: The applicant is hard to reach or sends replies that don’t line up with earlier conversations or information.

How to report fake applicants on Indeed

If you spot any red flags in the application or see signs of a fake interview, you can always report the applicant directly to Indeed. Doing so can help you protect your business and the integrity of the Indeed platform.

Step-by-step guide to reporting a fake applicant

Follow these steps to report a suspicious application on Indeed:

1. Access the applicant’s profile: In your Employer Dashboard, open the application of the profile you want to report.
2. Go to the Indeed Form: To report a suspicious applicant who has applied to your job, select Job Postings from the drop-down.
3. Provide details: Add specific details about why you believe the applicant is fake. Indeed needs this information for the investigation. List any inconsistencies, red flags or suspicious behaviors you observed as well as the applicant’s information
4. Submit the report: Click the “Submit” button to send your report to Indeed.

After you report a fake applicant, Indeed’s Trust & Safety team will review your report. What happens next can depend on the type of behavior flagged and the severity of the suspected violation.

How to protect your Indeed account

Not all fake applications are just spam. In some cases, they may be part of broader attempts to collect employer data or test access points. That’s why protecting your account can be just as important as checking for fake applicants.

Here are a few ways to help protect your login and account settings.

Indeed password reset

If you need to reset your Indeed password:

1. Go to the Indeed login page.
2. Click “Forgot Password” under the login fields.
3. Enter the email address linked to your account.
4. Check your email for a password reset link.
5. Click the link and follow the instructions to set a new password.
6. Choose a secure Indeed password different from those you use elsewhere.

Enable 2-step verification on Indeed

Two-step verification (also known as two-factor authentication or 2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Indeed account. It requires a second form of verification that makes it harder for someone else to access your account even if they have your password.

How it works: When you log in with Indeed 2-step verification enabled, you’ll enter your password as usual. Then, you’ll be prompted to enter a unique code sent to your phone via text message, email or an authentication app.

Setup process:

1. Log in to your Indeed account and navigate to your Account Settings.
2. Click or tap Enable under Two-factor authentication.
3. Add a mobile number associated with your account and select Send Verification Code.
4. Enter the code to Verify and Enable.

Once you’ve activated 2FA, you’ll receive a code on your phone each time you sign into your account.

Best practices for maintaining account security

In addition to strong passwords and 2-step verification, here are some other best practices for maintaining the security of your Indeed account:

• Regular password updates: Change your Indeed password regularly, ideally every 3-6 months.
• Unique passwords: Use a unique password for your Indeed account that you don’t use for any other online accounts.
• Avoid sharing your password: Avoid sharing your Indeed password with anyone, including colleagues or Indeed support staff (Indeed will never ask for your password).
• Monitor account activity: Regularly review your Indeed account activity for any suspicious or unauthorized access.
• Watch for fake Indeed emails: Be wary of emails that claim to be from Indeed and ask for your login credentials or other sensitive information. If you suspect you’ve been sent a fake Indeed email, you can report it directly to Indeed.
• Keep your software updated: Check that your computer and web browser are up-to-date with the latest security patches. This can protect against malware and other threats.
• Contact Indeed support: If you are unable to regain access to your account or if you need further assistance, contact Indeed support. They can guide you through the recovery process and make sure your account is secure

If you ever get an email that seems suspicious or doesn’t match typical communication from Indeed, it could be a fake Indeed email. When in doubt, go straight to your Employer Dashboard or the Help Center instead of clicking links.

Best practices for reducing fake applicants

Changes to how you write and manage job postings can help reduce the number of fake applications you get. While it might not be possible to avoid fake applications entirely, here are some small things you can do now to make a difference.

Tips for creating job postings that deter fake applicants

When your job posting is easy to understand and includes relevant details, it may be less likely to attract vague or automated submissions. Here are some tips:

• Use detailed job descriptions: A thorough listing makes it harder for bots or fake applicants to match your posting with a generic resume. It sets expectations that are more difficult to fake.
• Outline specific application requirements: Requests like a cover letter or portfolio often discourage mass or automated applications, which are usually designed to submit the bare minimum.
• Include keywords: Targeted keywords help your job post reach real candidates looking for that role. This may help reduce visibility to bots that scrape job boards for broad terms.
• Ask screening questions: Fake applicants tend to skip or poorly answer job-specific questions. These can help surface red flags early and discourage bulk applications.
• Detail what comes next: Outlining your process shows that someone is actively reviewing applications. Fake submissions may be more common on listings that appear inactive or unmanaged.

Use Indeed’s screening tools

Indeed has built-in tools that may help you catch red flags early so you can focus more on genuine applicants. These include:

Applicant Qualifications

You can add job-specific screener questions, also known as Applicant Qualifications or screener questions, directly to your posting. Fake or bulk applicants may skip these or provide vague, unrelated answers.

Smart Sourcing
Smart Sourcing helps you find candidates who meet your job criteria. Because you’re sourcing directly from quality profiles, Smart Sourcing can help reduce fake or automated applications on open roles.

Candidate Management

The Candidate Management tool in your Employer Dashboard lets you organize and track applicants all in one place. This makes it easier to spot red flags like repeated resume content, identical answers or multiple submissions with the same contact details.

Resume filters

You can set filters based on requirements like location or years of experience. Filtering out those who don’t meet basic criteria can help reduce irrelevant or suspicious applications.

Candidate messaging

You can use Indeed Messaging to review how someone communicates during the hiring process. Fake applicants may reply with vague, inconsistent or off-topic messages, and you may find it easier to spot this behavior when conversations stay in one thread.

Report applicants

And of course, if something doesn’t feel right, contact Indeed to report the applicant directly.

Regularly review and update job postings

Outdated or unclear postings may attract fake applicants, especially those using automation or applying in bulk. Keeping your job details current shows the role is active and being monitored.

Here’s how to do it:

• Keep details accurate: If a job post is vague or out of date, it may lead to mismatched or copy-paste applications that don’t reflect real interest.

• Remove filled positions: Fake applicants may target older listings that still appear open. Taking these down helps limit unnecessary responses.

If you notice a post suddenly has more suspicious applications than it did before, it could be a sign that it’s time for an update.

How Indeed’s Trust & Safety team supports employers

Indeed’s Trust & Safety team reviews reports and monitors the platform for suspicious activity. This includes removing fake accounts and helping keep the application experience safe for employers and job seekers.

If something seems off, you can use the steps we provided to report the suspicious applicant directly to Indeed or from the Smart Sourcing tool. You can also contact Indeed through the Help Center for support with account issues or suspicious activity.

And if you ever think your account may be compromised, Indeed is here to help with that, too.

Avoid fake applicants and protect your Indeed account

Fake applications can slow down your hiring process, but they don’t have to take it over. Spotting red flags early and using Indeed’s tools can help you connect with genuine candidates interested in your role. And by taking the time to report suspicious applicants and secure your account, you’re taking steps that support a smoother hiring process all around.

FAQs about fake applicants on Indeed

What should I do if I suspect a phishing attempt from an applicant?

If someone sends a strange link or file, don’t open it. You can report the message through your Indeed dashboard and let your organization’s IT team know if needed.

Does reporting fake applicants help improve Indeed’s platform?

Yes. When you report suspicious applicants, it helps Indeed spot and remove fake accounts. That makes things better for everyone using the site.

How can I contact Indeed for help with my Employer Account?

Indeed has several resources to help you manage your account. You can check out our guide for how to contact Indeed or head directly to the Help Center for more support.