Catfish

Meaning & Definition 

When talking about HR and work, the term catfish is a person who uses a fake identity while you’re being recruited or as part of a workplace interaction. Types of deceptive identities could be through false resumes and profiles skill set and experiences to obtain job interviews, jobs or trust in a professional capacity.

Importance in HR & Recruitment

• Assists HR Departments to detect and avoid hiring fraud.
• Safeguards organisations against skill mismatches & performance risk.
• Builds trust in recruitment processes by ensuring candidates are who they say they are.
• Highlights the importance of background checking and screening.
• Mitigates legal, financial, and reputational risks.

Legal Compliance / Policy / Regulation 

• The Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, specifically Sections dealing with fraud and cheating, can be applicable when there is intentional misrepresentation.
• The Information Technology Act 2000 can be applied to instances of fake digital profile creation.
• Company policy for background verification of candidates in order to stop catfishing is important when hiring.

Note: Although not specifically regulated under any other law per se, there are instances where individuals could find themselves being legally accountable for fraudulent behaviour.