I run a job platform. This scam is pervasive, especially with contract work. We've had to get really good at recognizing patterns because their covers are really good (even faking passports and work history).

Many of the big contract platforms are dealing with this too. Hiring managers are getting tired of it and are 1) not hiring as many contract workers and 2) not using platforms to hire those workers.

Unfortunately, this hurts small companies more since their hiring practices are so lax and there's a crop of new ones every few months.