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After completing his graduation, Rohit was actively searching for a job. One evening, he received a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to represent a reputed multinational company.
“Work-from-home customer support job. Salary ₹35,000 per month. Immediate joining.”
For a fresh graduate struggling to find employment, the offer looked attractive.
Within hours, he received a professional-looking appointment letter bearing the company’s logo.
The recruiter then informed him that a “refundable verification and training fee” of ₹2,500 was required before onboarding.
Rohit paid the amount through UPI.
₹5,000
₹10,000
₹4,500
The recruiter assured him that all charges would be refunded with the first salary.
By the time Rohit became suspicious, he had transferred ₹22,000.
When Rohit asked for his joining credentials, the recruiter stopped responding.
The company’s official HR department later confirmed that:
“No such recruitment process was being conducted, and the appointment letter was fake.”
Once he realized the fraud, he:
Called 1930, the cybercrime helpline.
Reported the UPI transaction IDs to his bank.
Filed an online cybercrime complaint.
Saved the appointment letter, chats, and payment receipts.
Reported the fake recruiter number on WhatsApp.
In digital payment fraud cases, rapid reporting can help:
You are asked to pay a registration fee.
The interview is skipped entirely.
The salary is unusually high for the role.
Communication happens only through WhatsApp.
The email domain is unofficial.
Immediate joining is promised after payment.
Visit the company’s official website.
Call the official HR department.
Check the recruiter’s email domain.
Search whether the vacancy is listed officially.
Never rely solely on a WhatsApp message.
Stop all further payments.
Call 1930 immediately.
Inform your bank.
Save all payment receipts.
Take screenshots of chats and appointment letters.
File an online cybercrime complaint.
Many candidates believe that small “verification fees” are part of the recruitment process.
Legitimate employers generally do not ask candidates to pay for interviews, appointment letters, or onboarding.
“Employment opportunities should not require candidates to pay registration, verification, or training fees in advance. Job seekers should independently verify every offer through official company channels before transferring any money.”
Verify the company independently.
Check the official HR contact.
Do not pay registration or security fees.
Preserve all chats and documents.
Report suspicious demands through 1930 if payment has already been made.
A genuine job offer should provide employment—not ask the candidate to finance the recruitment process.