Protip for those job hunting: if you're going to fake your references (and tbh you should), don't do it from the same network. Even sending one while connected to your wifi and the other from your phone on mobile data should be fine (though different devices on different networks would be better). Also don't do one and then immediately do the other.
The reason is software will show the IP address it was submitted from, and the time the link was accessed, if we get multiple from the same address or one is submitted and then the next is immediately opened then it looks pretty sus.
Last note, if you put a reference as someone overseas make sure you're not submitting the reference at a weird local time. The amount of references where it is submitted at 2pm local time, but it's a "British referee" is hilarious.
I have an endless supply of real references so it was more of a hyperthetical question. I'm wondering how prevalent it is though. I've never had to lie to get a job.
Yeah I'm lucky in that regard too tbh, and am now in a position to see it from the other side, an applicant was declined which prompted this post, I know a lot of people who aren't so lucky, especially if you hl can't use your current employer or have a large gap in your work history you can't or don't want to explain