Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 May 2024
In a worrying new trend, a rise in fake job offer SMSs is seen. These fake Job Offers are sent over SMSs to initiate online financial frauds. Fraudsters also place online advertisements, luring victims with promises of high-paying jobs that can be done from home with minimal effort and time. These scams often involve fraudsters posing as employers or recruiters and offering attractive employment opportunities that require job seekers to pay an upfront fee.
Andaman and Nicobar Police have observed a surge in such fraudulent activities, where victims are promised lucrative part-time jobs only to have their money and personal information siphoned off.
In response to this threat, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have issued the following advisory to help citizens protect themselves:
1. Be Wary of Tempting Offers: Avoid job offers sent via text messages or emails from unknown senders, especially if they promise high rewards for little effort.
2. Verify Online: Scrutinise the job-offering company by searching online with keywords like “scam,” “fraud,” or “complaint” alongside the company name to check for similar scams.
3. Avoid Upfront Payments: Do not make any payments for registration or other purposes without authenticating the employer.
4. Check SMS Headers: Scrutinise the SMS headers to confirm the authenticity of the job offer.
5. Beware of Urgent Requests: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency. Be cautious and scrutinise any request that seems overly urgent.
For assistance, information, or inquiries, individuals are advised to contact the Cyber Crime Police Station, A&N Islands, via the National Helpline No. 1930 or the A&N Police Helpline No. 9531856083. More information can also be found on the official website at cybercrime.gov.in.
By following these guidelines, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these deceitful job offer scams.