Resolvit Data Engineer interview questions

I applied online and the recruiter reached out to me. The initial conversation was very pleasant and she explained me the process and how I will have a client interview. Everything seemed normal for a consulting firm, and then she dropped the bomb, "We need 5 reference letter of which 3 must be from current/past managers". I have had 2 jobs in my 7 years long careers. So I am not in touch with my managers at last job. Also I am not gonna contact my supervisor(s) at my current job for a reference letter and jeopardize my career. I told her that I am interested in the position and can work on the reference letters if I get an offer and she told me supplying reference letter before applying is the way to going , and in the hundreds of interviews she has conducted in multiple places this has been the norm. Am I missing something, isn't background verification and checking the last step in the interview process. Are others going to their bosses and asking for letters of recommendation for a change in job, which they may or may not get.