Visakhapatnam police have uncovered a major fake job racket that has cheated more than twenty city residents out of a staggering sum exceeding ₹54 lakh. This case, reported in early 2026, marks the first major cybercrime incident of the year in Vizag, revealing a sophisticated scam targeting individuals across various age groups and neighborhoods.
The Modus Operandi: A Web of Deceit
The cybercriminals operated by impersonating a reputable construction company and a fictitious placement agency. In one detailed instance, a 60-year-old man received an email from a person identifying as Rahul Sharma, HR – Naukri Placements, offering him a position as a construction manager. After what seemed like a formal interview process, the victim was issued a counterfeit appointment letter by another individual named Sunil Kumar, purportedly from the construction firm.
The fraudsters then systematically demanded payments for a series of fabricated prerequisites. These included fees for profile verification, police clearance certificates, security deposits, and joining bonds. Trusting the legitimacy of the offer, the elderly victim transferred over ₹8 lakh in multiple transactions before realizing he had been conned.
Widespread Impact and Victim Profile
Using this identical method, the criminals successfully duped more than 20 people. The financial damage varied significantly, with individual losses ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹6 lakh. The fake appointment letters even included the promise of arranging flight tickets for the candidates upon confirmation of their cash deposits, adding a layer of authenticity to the scam.
Police officials noted that the fraudsters expertly tailored their approach based on the target. Every age demographic, from individuals in their 20s to those in their 70s, was found to be vulnerable to different types of cyber fraud. The criminals exploited these patterns to siphon off substantial amounts of money. A senior police officer highlighted that while the number of victims in such job frauds is often high, very few actually come forward to file official complaints.
Police Advisory and Reporting Mechanism
Authorities have issued a strong warning to the public, advising extreme caution when encountering job opportunities that appear too good to be true. They emphasize that genuine employers do not ask for large upfront payments for clearances or bonds. The police urge anyone with information about such fraudulent job schemes or who has been a victim to immediately report it. Complaints can be filed on the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 or through the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.
This incident underscores a growing trend where fake job rackets are flourishing, partly fueled by a competitive job market in both public and private sectors. The Vizag police are investigating the case, aiming to track down the organized cybercrooks behind this elaborate scam.
