Infosys Proxy Interview Scam: In an unsettling development that underscores the dark side of virtual hiring, a software engineer from Telangana was recently caught orchestrating a proxy interview scam to land a job at IT giant Infosys. Within just 15 days of joining, the deception unraveled—exposing a sophisticated impersonation attempt that has since sparked wider conversations around recruitment integrity and cybercrime in India.
The Incident: A Real-Life “Dragon” Movie Plot – Infosys Proxy Interview Scam
Inspired, perhaps, by plots from cinematic thrillers like Dragon, Rapa Sai Prashanth—a man in his 20s—allegedly employed an imposter to attend a virtual interview on his behalf. The incident was first reported by The Times of India and The Indian Express, revealing how Prashanth’s credentials were verified and passed to Infosys via a recruitment agency.
The recruiter, Shiva Prakash from Sampradaa Software Technologies, forwarded Prashanth’s resume to Infosys after reviewing his documents. But unbeknownst to the hiring panel, the man who appeared on camera during the interview wasn’t Prashanth at all. A proxy took his place and aced the selection process.
Suspicion Raised Post-Joining – Infosys Proxy Interview Scam
Soon after Prashanth joined Infosys, red flags emerged. Colleagues noticed discrepancies in his voice and communication style compared to the candidate they had seen during the interview. The lack of technical competence further added to the suspicion. Upon internal investigation, Infosys confirmed the fraud and filed a complaint, triggering legal action.
He now faces charges under Sections 318 and 319 of the IT Act, relating to identity fraud and impersonation, potentially inviting significant penalties and a criminal record.
Legal Implications: What the IT Act Says – Infosys Proxy Interview Scam
Under the Indian Information Technology Act, impersonation using digital means can attract jail time, fines, or both. Sections 318 and 319 deal specifically with acts of dishonesty, misrepresentation, and using a digital identity to deceive. Given the rising prevalence of remote and hybrid work models, such cases are now taken very seriously.
The Growing Problem of Interview Frauds in Tech
This is far from an isolated case. As virtual interviews become the norm, companies across India are seeing a rise in proxy interview frauds. From deepfakes to voice overlays and video imposters, fraudulent candidates are leveraging technology in increasingly deceptive ways.
Recent incidents across other firms such as Wipro, TCS, and Accenture have prompted a tech-sector-wide introspection into their hiring practices.
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Expert Voices: What the Industry Is Saying
Cybersecurity expert Dr. Vishal Kumar explains:
“Virtual hiring saves costs but increases risk. Firms must evolve interview mechanisms—perhaps incorporating randomized questions, real-time skill assessments, and biometric validations.”
HR consultant Meena Radhakrishnan adds:
“This isn’t just fraud—it’s a breach of trust. Employers must revalidate their background checks and include behavioral assessments post-offer.”
How Employers Can Safeguard Virtual Hiring
Companies need to implement multi-layered safeguards, such as:
- AI-based facial recognition during interviews
- Randomized live assessments post-offer
- Digital identity verification using Aadhaar or PAN
- Monitoring performance during onboarding
- Video background checks from trusted partners
Additionally, recruiters must flag inconsistencies and avoid outsourcing hiring responsibilities to unverified third parties.
What Candidates Must Understand
Candidates tempted to use unethical means must realize the long-term damage:
- Blacklisting across IT firms
- Permanent legal records
- Termination from employment
- Career derailment and public shame
Shortcuts may offer immediate benefits, but the consequences are irreversible.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for India’s Tech Industry
The Infosys proxy interview scam is a wake-up call for recruiters, employers, and aspiring tech professionals. It highlights not only the ethical erosion in parts of the hiring ecosystem but also the urgent need for tech-enabled integrity checks.
As India’s digital economy expands, recruitment must evolve to defend against increasingly sophisticated fraud. For now, the Prashanth case will remain a cautionary tale for job seekers attempting to game the system.
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FAQs
Q1: What sections of the IT Act were applied to this case?
Sections 318 and 319, pertaining to digital identity fraud and impersonation for this Infosys Proxy Interview Scam
Q2: How long did it take for Infosys to detect the fraud?
The fraud was detected within 15 days of the candidate joining.
Q3: Is proxy interviewing a growing trend?
Yes, especially with remote work and virtual interviews, incidents have spiked across multiple IT firms.
Q4: What can employers do to prevent such fraud?
Implementing AI-based facial verification, real-time coding assessments, and identity checks can help.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All legal interpretations are referenced from publicly available sources. No legal liability is assumed.
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