With changing hiring practices and the advent of remote work and decentralized workforces, employers are facing new challenges in authenticating candidate credentials. Employment fraud, particularly document forgery, has become an increasing concern for both the public and private sectors. Document fraud during hiring practices has resulted in organizational losses of over $600 million globally, according to a 2023 report by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. As more businesses adopt digital onboarding, the risk of identity misrepresentation has grown significantly, compelling HR departments to implement more advanced screening tools and compliance programs.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have emphasized the importance of lawful employment processes, particularly regarding Form I-9 verifications. Companies are encouraged to use software that aligns with USCIS guidelines for remote I-9 verification. Features such as geolocation matching and advanced document checks have become increasingly important in detecting fraudulent documents during hiring processes.
WorkBright has positioned itself in this context by offering a platform that supports employers in detecting and responding to potential fraud risks. WorkBright’s solution is particularly designed for remote-first companies, allowing new hires to complete I-9 verifications digitally while helping employers maintain compliance with federal guidelines. Over the past several years, the company has developed features that specifically address the issue of document fraud.
WorkBright’s platform is built around a multi-layered verification process. It includes advanced document verification features and an automated E-Verify integration to help prevent the acceptance of invalid documents. The technology detects submission inconsistencies, such as mismatched birthdates, improper document formats, or images that don’t match scanned identification. These automated verifications help reduce the errors associated with manual verification and shorten the time between candidate submission and verification.
WorkBright has introduced new features designed to enhance security and limit exposure to fraud. The platform includes advanced document checks to scan for watermarks, tampering, and incorrect formatting—common indicators of counterfeit IDs. WorkBright alerts HR admins to any non-compliant documents, prompting a manual review. Unlike many traditional HR applications that rely primarily on human analysis, WorkBright’s automation aims to minimize oversight shortcomings, especially in high-volume hiring scenarios, such as temporary staffing and seasonal employers.
Another notable feature of WorkBright’s platform is its flexibility in adapting to regulatory changes. With frequent updates to employment eligibility legislation, particularly at the state level, staying up to date can be a challenge for HR departments. WorkBright has addressed this challenge by incorporating updates directly into its system, ensuring that any new compliance needs are automatically implemented. This capability became particularly important following California’s revision of its remote verification regulations in 2023, which established new standards for document storage and data handling.
Although the company has not released specific metrics on how many fraudulent documents it has flagged, internal case studies on its website highlight several incidents where automated alerts helped prevent non-compliant hires. These anonymized examples suggest that fraud detection is an area of continuous development within the platform. Additionally, HR professionals who participate in WorkBright-sponsored webinars and podcasts like “The Future of Compliance” have shared insights on the impact of fraud prevention and the role of technology in improving verification practices.
WorkBright’s efforts in this area have not gone unnoticed. The company was featured in Inc. Magazine’s 2024 Best Workplaces list and has been included in Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work list every year from 2020 through 2024. While these awards do not directly relate to fraud prevention, they reflect the integrity of WorkBright’s operations, which may influence its approach to product development.
In the broader fight against employment documentation forgery, WorkBright’s experience underscores the growing role of digital technology in enhancing HR security. As hiring increasingly moves toward remote and flexible working arrangements, businesses will face new challenges in confirming identity and employment status. Whether or not automation will fully replace manual verification remains a topic of ongoing debate, but integrating automated technology and real-time compliance updates is gaining traction across industries.
