Student Organizations Issue Urgent Warning Against Job Scam Targeting College Students in Mangaluru
In a significant development concerning student safety, prominent student organizations ABVP and NSUI have jointly cautioned students against falling prey to deceptive chain marketing and pyramid schemes that are cleverly disguised as legitimate job opportunities. This warning comes after more than 100 students from various colleges across Mangaluru were allegedly cheated by a private firm operating within the city.
Joint Press Conference Reveals Disturbing Details
Addressing a joint press conference on Thursday alongside affected students, Muliya Satwik of the All College Students' Association affiliated with ABVP, provided alarming details about the fraudulent operation. Satwik alleged that the company, which functions from a commercial complex in Kudroli, specifically targeted college students with enticing offers of part-time jobs and business opportunities.
"The firm allegedly lured students with promises of earning substantial income while continuing their studies," Satwik explained during the press meet. "However, they later compelled these young individuals to invest significant amounts of money under the false pretext of mandatory training sessions and product purchases."
Satwik confirmed that over 100 students have reportedly fallen victim to this scheme, and he emphasized that the student body is committed to pursuing legal action against such chain marketing and pyramid scheme companies operating in Mangaluru.
NSUI Calls for Government Intervention
Christon Menezes, president of the NSUI Mangaluru unit, echoed these concerns and announced plans to bring this serious matter to the attention of the state government. "We will ensure that strict action is taken against these fraudulent firms to prevent them from exploiting vulnerable students," Menezes stated firmly.
He highlighted a particularly concerning aspect of the situation, noting that many academic courses now require students to complete internships as part of their curriculum. "This legitimate academic requirement makes students more likely to apply for what appear to be genuine opportunities," Menezes explained. "Unfortunately, this vulnerability is being systematically misused by unscrupulous operators. Immediate and strict action must be taken against the company responsible for these fraudulent activities."
Victim Shares Harrowing Experience
One of the affected students shared her distressing experience with the fraudulent scheme. She revealed that she initially came across a social media advertisement that offered what seemed to be a legitimate digital marketing job opportunity.
"After contacting the firm, I was asked to attend a three-day residential training programme by paying an initial fee of Rs 2,500," the victim recounted. "Following the training, I received instructions to purchase various products including electronics, cosmetics, and sarees worth Rs 51,000. I was then told to sell these items and enroll three additional people into the same training programme."
In a particularly troubling revelation, the student admitted that she obtained the substantial sum from her mother under false pretenses. "I told my mother that I needed the money to buy a laptop for my studies," she confessed. "When I finally realized that this was actually a sophisticated scam, I immediately demanded a refund from the company."
The recovery process proved to be challenging and stressful. "After repeated follow-ups and considerable harassment, including a visit to the CEN crime police station, I eventually managed to recover my money," she revealed, though the emotional toll remained evident.
Police Involvement and Ongoing Investigation
The serious nature of these allegations has prompted official attention, with the issue being formally brought to the notice of the Mangaluru East police. Authorities are now investigating the operations of the private firm in question, examining their business practices and recruitment methods that specifically target college students.
Student leaders from both ABVP and NSUI have emphasized the importance of increased awareness among the student community regarding such fraudulent schemes. They have advised students to thoroughly verify any job opportunity that requires upfront payments or investments, and to consult with college authorities or student organizations before committing to any such offers.
The organizations have also pledged to establish better support systems for students who may fall victim to similar scams in the future, including legal assistance and counseling services to help them recover both financially and emotionally from such exploitative experiences.
