In today's fast-paced digital world, job seekers must stay extra cautious. Recently, two professionals from Mangaluru fell victim to online job scams, losing a total of over ?10 lakh. These incidents highlight how scammers exploit the desperation and trust of job seekers using fake offers and professional-looking communication.
Case 1: Part-Time Job Scam – ?6.5 Lakh Lost
A working professional from Mangaluru was searching for part-time job opportunities online when she received a WhatsApp message on June 25. The sender claimed to be an HR Assistant from NSE Exchange, offering a work-from-home job that could earn between ?5,000 and ?20,000.
She was asked to join via a link and install the Telegram app for communication. Tasks were assigned, and she even received small payouts like ?180 and ?200 after completing several assignments. This built her trust.
But things escalated quickly:
She was asked to deposit ?800 for a “trade task.”
Over the next three days, she ended up transferring large sums to various accounts and UPI IDs.
When no further payments or refunds came through, she realized she had been duped.
A complaint has since been filed with the Mangaluru Rural Police.
Case 2: Fake Overseas Medical Job – ?4.2 Lakh Lost
Another victim, a medical professional, received a call on June 6 from someone claiming to be from NMC Hospital, Dubai. A follow-up email outlined job details, salary, and benefits. She was contacted by a man named Vinay Singh, who guided her through a supposed recruitment process.
The scam involved:
Registration fee of ?5,499
Profile verification charges: ?25,960
DHA licence: ?82,600
Additional fees on June 21 and 24: ?75,000, ?25,000, and ?1,00,000 for NOC
The total came to ?4.2 lakh, after which she was asked to pay ?2.6 lakh more. Sensing something was wrong, she checked with friends and confirmed it was a scam. She has now filed a complaint at the Kankanady Town Police Station.
What Can You Learn From This?
These stories are a reminder for all job seekers:
Be cautious of job offers via WhatsApp, Telegram, or email that ask for upfront payments.
Verify the company and contact person through official channels or LinkedIn.
Never share your bank details or personal ID with unknown recruiters.
No legitimate employer will ask for money during the recruitment process.
Stay Safe While Job Hunting
The job market is competitive, but don’t let desperation make you an easy target. If something feels suspicious, pause and verify. When in doubt, talk to friends, family, or even post in trusted career forums for opinions.
Have you encountered similar scams or know someone who has? Share your experience in the comments to help others stay safe.