Inside the Dark World of AI Model Recruitment for Fraudulent Activities
Recent research has unveiled an alarming trend in the job market: the recruitment of individuals as AI models for fraudulent operations. A series of job advertisements reveal that potential candidates can expect to make up to 150 calls per day. While these ads offer certain allowances, such as using filters for realistic images and live-action videos, they also come with restrictions, such as the prohibition of wigs. The compensation for such roles appears attractive, with one ad offering one full day and four half days off per month. However, the darker side of these job opportunities begins to emerge when examining the additional requirements and conditions.
Recruitment Tactics for AI Modeling Roles
Advertisements for these roles often mention peculiar working hours, such as the ad listing working hours in Cambodia from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., and a requirement for a “Western accent.” Alarmingly, one advertisement openly states that the company would retain the applicant’s passport to manage visas and work permits, a known tactic used by fraudulent operators to hold people captive.
Most applicants for these AI modeling roles are young women in their early twenties. The application process requires them to submit an introductory video, a write-up about their experiences and expectations, and personal photographs. In some cases, they must also provide their marital and vaccination status.
The applicants’ videos often highlight their previous experiences working on projects relating to stock exchange, cryptocurrency, and romance with Chinese companies, and their skill in convincing clients to invest. Unfortunately, the applications do not contain full names or contact information, making it difficult to follow up with these individuals.
The Dark Reality of AI Model Recruitment
Although the applicants request high salaries, up to $7,000 per month, and specific working conditions, the reality can be far from fulfilling these demands. Some applicants have made requests as basic as wanting their own room, the freedom to go outside, or to have a personal washing machine.
While some recruits may enjoy more freedom compared to victims of human trafficking, they can still face harsh treatment. According to Ling Li, co-founder of the nonprofit EOS Collective, some victims have reported physical and sexual abuse.
Telegram’s Role in AI Model Recruitment
Telegram, a popular messaging platform, has been used to advertise these AI model roles. WIRED contacted Telegram with a list of two dozen job and recruiting channels that had advertised these positions. However, no action appears to have been taken by the company to remove these channels. A spokesperson from Telegram stated that content promoting or enabling fraud is prohibited and will be removed when discovered.
Although these job ads and applications do not explicitly mention fraudulent work, they contain numerous red flags, according to experts. These include the locations being well-known scam sites in Cambodia, unusually high salaries for the region, and a requirement of knowledge of Chinese.
As the world continues to grapple with the rapid advancements in AI technology, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the potential misuse of this technology, particularly in the recruitment industry.
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