As the class of 2025 prepares to step into a competitive job market, a new wave of concern is sweeping through HR departments across the UK: the rise of AI-driven CV fraud
According to new research commissioned by Hedd, Jisc's higher education degree verification service, employers are reporting a sharp increase in job application fraud.
In response to the YouGov survey of more than 500 HR decision makers, two fifths (67%) of large employers suggested that artificial intelligence had contributed to a surge in fraudulent applications, with 37% of small and 64% of medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) saying the same.
The findings come at a time when AI is transforming how graduates approach the job hunt - with research from the Institute of Student Employers suggesting that AI is also helping to fuel an increase in the number of applications students make.1 This trend that was echoed in Prospects Luminate's Early Careers Survey 2025, which found that graduates are using AI tools not only to enhance the quality of their applications, but also to accelerate and scale the process.
Of course, tools like ChatGPT can be used benignly, helping candidates to polish their applications. However, many employers fear that AI tools are also making it easier for candidates to misrepresent their qualifications as well as their capabilities. It is paramount that employers protect themselves, not only to negate consequences for themselves (such as additional recruitment costs when they have to re-hire), but also to help ensure that honest graduates are not being cheated out of good graduate jobs.
SMEs can do more to protect themselves from fraud
Just two fifths (40%) of HR decision makers surveyed by Hedd indicated that they check all candidate qualifications, with SMEs (32%) being significantly less likely to say this than large employers (52%). Just 5% of large employers indicated that they do not check any kind of qualifications, with a fifth (22%) of respondents working for SMEs saying the same.
Those who check any qualifications were also asked how they go about ensuring the authenticity of candidate qualifications. Most (63%) reported that they ask to see evidence of qualifications (e.g. a paper or digital certificate), with SMEs and large employers reporting this at similar rates at 61% and 66% respectively. Nevertheless, SMEs were less likely to use more rigorous verification methods.
For instance, just 29% of SMEs indicated that they use a background screening agency (compared with 49% of large employers), and 28% said that they use a qualification verification platform (compared to 53% of large employers). The smallest of SMEs were even less likely to report this, with 17% of respondents from small or micro businesses (fewer than 50 employees) saying that they use a background agency or qualification verification platform.
SMEs were also less likely to indicate that they have encountered job application fraud in the past, with 29% saying that they have, compared with 45% of large businesses. With SMEs being far less likely to verify candidate qualifications, it comes as no surprise that respondents working for SMEs reported fewer cases of job application fraud. The likelihood of identifying job application fraud decreases if employers do not check qualifications rigorously, revealing the need for SMEs to do better to protect themselves.
Employers encouraged to review recruitment policies
"AI tools are giving candidates new ways to enhance or fabricate convincing job applications and many employers may not realise how easy it is for applicants to falsely claim degrees or qualifications. Even companies who think they’re doing the right checks may be relying on outdated or insecure processes.
"The only way to properly check a qualification is to confirm it directly with the awarding institution, use a secure verification service like hedd.ac.uk, or work with a reputable background screening provider. Anything less opens the door to reputational, financial and compliance risks."
Chris Rea, head of strategic relationships and Hedd, Prospects
As AI becomes more prevalent in the job application process, its dual role as both a helpful tool and a potential enabler of fraud is becoming increasingly clear. While many graduates use AI to streamline and enhance their applications, a growing number of employers are reporting a rise in job application fraud.
Moreover, the disparity in verification practices between large employers and SMEs highlights a critical vulnerability in the recruitment process. To protect both their organisations and honest candidates, employers - especially smaller ones - must strengthen their verification procedures.
Visit the Hedd website for further information and to get support with degree verification.
Notes
- Navigating the future: key trends in graduate recruitment, Luminate, 2025.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 526 HR decision makers. Fieldwork was undertaken between 24 - 29 April 2025. The survey was carried out online.
Written by
Was this page useful?
Thank you for your feedback