'Authentic' websites, 'no-money' assurance: Job-scam fooled people in 3 states
Reports of job scams aren't uncommon in India, where unemployment is rampant, but a racket in the south has stood apart due to its elaborate nature. Kerala Police has registered at least 15 complaints against Elite Professionals, a 'recruiting agency,' which duped people by promising them nursing jobs in Singapore. Complaints have been lodged in Karnataka and TN too. Here's how they operated.
He had to pay thousands for his offer letter
Elite approached Vinod and wife Renjani of Bengaluru in July. By September, they 'interviewed' and shortlisted him. But after assuring there would be no payment involved, they demanded money for the offer-letter. However, Elite spelt his name wrong on the letter. When they demanded a correction, they kept giving excuses, and finally cut off contact in February. The couple paid them Rs. 25,000 total.
She found out visa was fake when she reached airport
Nimmy from Kerala was sure about her offer. She and her husband had checked the website of the Singapore hospital she was to join. It contained contact details, address, even job vacancies. Elite arranged visa for her too. It was only when she reached Cochin Airport to board her flight in February, that she realized the visa was fake. They paid Rs. 60,000 total.
He was fooled despite having worked in UK for years
Bijoy of Kannur was contacted by Elite after he had returned post working in UK. They demanded money for the offer letter, and he paid Rs. 15,000. They then sent him an 'FIN'- Foreign Identification Number- which he could verify on www.checkthevisa.com. The website showed it as valid, but not the Singapore government website. When he asked, they demanded more money to "correct" things.
No FIR has been lodged yet, but victims are hopeful
The MO was similar in many of the complaints police in three states have received since February. 'Recruitments' were made to Amydgala and Orange Valley nursing homes, none of which exist. Local police have received complaints in Bengaluru, Kottayam, Kannur and others. However, no FIR has been registered yet as police probe the case. But victims are hoping their coordinated efforts will bear fruit.
