Ahmedabad IT Professional Falls Victim to Elaborate UK Job Scam
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 30-year-old IT professional from Krishnanagar, Ahmedabad, was allegedly cheated of Rs 34.2 lakh by fraudsters posing as UK-based job and visa consultants. The elaborate scam unfolded over several months, leaving the victim financially devastated after promises of overseas employment turned out to be completely fraudulent.
The Beginning of the Deception
The unfortunate series of events began in December 2024 when the complainant, who works from home, and his wife came across social media posts offering UK jobs, sponsorship letters, and quick visa processing. Attracted by these opportunities, the couple initially contacted the supposed consultants who presented themselves as legitimate professionals living abroad.
The fraudsters skillfully built trust with the victims by creating an appearance of authenticity. They even added the couple to a WhatsApp group to maintain regular communication and reinforce their credibility as genuine consultants operating internationally.
Multiple Payments and Escalating Demands
Between January 17 and April 5, the complainant made numerous payments to the accused under various pretexts. The scam took a significant turn when the fraudsters offered the victim a "working partner" position in a UK company they claimed to be establishing.
Following their instructions, the IT professional paid Rs 20 lakh in cash at an office in Ahmedabad for this supposed partnership opportunity. This substantial cash transaction marked the beginning of even larger financial demands from the fraudsters.
The victim later transferred an additional Rs 14.2 lakh through several online transactions for what were described as medical fees, health insurance, visa charges, and other processing costs. The multiple payment methodscash and online transferssuggested a well-planned strategy to extract maximum money from the victim.
Red Flags and Final Realization
The first major warning sign appeared in February when the complainant received a rejection letter from immigration authorities. However, the accused cleverly explained this away as a "technical error" and advised him to apply for an administrative review.
Capitalizing on the victim's desperation, the fraudsters then demanded another Rs 2 lakh, claiming it was necessary to "force the lawyer" handling his case to expedite the review process. Tragically, the 30-year-old paid this amount as well, hoping it would resolve the situation.
When no satisfactory results emerged from the alleged administrative review, the complainant confronted the accused. At this point, the fraudsters returned Rs 3.2 lakh before completely cutting off communication and going incommunicado.
Legal Action and Police Investigation
Realizing he had been systematically duped, the victim approached the cybercrime branch before formally filing an FIR. The Krishnanagar Police have registered a case under BNS sections of cheating and criminal breach of trust, along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.
This case highlights the sophisticated methods employed by cyber criminals targeting educated professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. The police investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind this elaborate scam.
The incident serves as a crucial warning for job seekers to thoroughly verify the credentials of overseas employment consultants and be wary of demands for large upfront payments for visa processing and job placements.
