A few days ago, Ritesh (name changed), an engineering graduate, received an e-mail stating, he had been selected for an interview and that he had to deposit Rs. 40,000 as security deposit in an account provided by the company. An elated Ritesh transferred the money only to later realise that he had been scammed by an online job racket.
“They called me and said I was shortlisted for the post of manager and asked me deposit the money. A few days later, I was asked to deposit some more money for training. But I still have got any information about the job,” said Ritesh.
There are many others like Ritesh who have been cheated in such scams and have not lodged police complaints out of fear and shame. There are two modi operandi used by the conmen for cheating job aspirants.
“The accused first check online job portals for e-mail address of candidates. They send a mail pretending to be from a reputed firm and announce that the aspirant has been selected for the interview and offer a good salary package. After this they ask him/her to transfer the money as security deposit and cheat the person,” said a police officer.
Another method is to pose as a manpower agent. “They do most of the interviewing online and then the conman comes in person to collect the registration amount. For this purpose he books a hotel room,” added the officer.
Most of the bank accounts used for such scams are opened in Delhi. “Most of the time conmen offer jobs in Bangalore, US, Europe or Middle Eastern countries,” the officer said. According to police, this year till date a total of 13 job racket cases were registered and out of this four were pertaining to online. A total of 27 people were arrested.
“Last year, 30 cases were registered and 57 persons were arrested. Out of this five cases were online scams. With the increase in awareness among people about such scams, there has been a drop in these cases now. However, people continue to fall prey to those promising government jobs,” said a senior police officer.
Meanwhile, Chennai police have informed the Reserve Bank of India officials to ensure that the credentials of the company or the person trying to open a bank account is thoroughly checked. “We have informed the banks and the officials have agreed to do so,” another senior officer said.
Scamster alert:
How to avoid being tricked?
-Apply for jobs advertised through newspapers and magazines after verifying the company thoroughly.
-Going for overseas job on a tourist visa is illegal.
-Cross check about overseas company with protector of emigrants.
-Don’t receive visa at last moment from brokers just before entering airport.
-Information about authenticity of employer and company can be checked online or by calling the human resources department of the particular firm.
Don’t give money to individuals or agents or deposit it in accounts before enquiring about the company.
