While it is possible some people are trying to do the right thing, it seems more likely they simply don't care. Companies have all sorts of fake job openings,

While it is possible some people are trying to do the right thing, it seems more likely they simply don't care. Companies have all sorts of fake job openings, even when things are good now. They view it as a form of marketing, showing that they're growing. That it wastes applicants' time applying is an externality. It's not hurting them.