Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police have issued a stern warning to job seekers to stay vigilant against a rising wave of online employment scams that are defrauding people of their hard-earned money. The advisory comes amid a surge in cyber complaints where individuals, particularly women, have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes disguised as part-time or work-from-home opportunities.
According to the police, scammers are increasingly exploiting social media platforms and messaging apps by sending job links and promotional messages promising quick earnings and flexible work schedules. Once the victim clicks on these links, they are either tricked into sharing personal details or asked to make advance payments under the guise of registration or training fees leading to financial losses and, in some cases, identity theft.
“People are losing money every day by trusting fake online job offers. Women, especially homemakers and students seeking part-time work, are being targeted through social media ads and messages. Job seekers must remain extremely cautious,” the Kerala Police said in a public statement shared on social media under the tag #keralapolice.
Officials emphasized that one of the most common red flags is when the alleged employer demands an upfront payment before confirming the job. “You should firmly say ‘no’ to any job that requires you to transfer money first, whether it is called a registration fee or a security deposit,” the advisory stated.
The police also urged applicants to verify the authenticity of companies before proceeding with any financial or personal engagement. “It is the responsibility of every job seeker to ensure the credibility of the firm making the offer. If there is no official company website or verifiable contact information, it is safer to avoid such offers entirely,” the statement added.
Cybercrime officers noted that many fraudulent recruiters lure victims with exaggerated promises of earning thousands of rupees per day through simple online tasks, such as liking posts, watching videos, or filling out surveys. However, these schemes often lead to deception, as victims either never receive the promised income or end up losing their deposits and personal information.
Kerala Police further cautioned that fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using professional logos, fake websites, and even fabricated offer letters to appear legitimate. They advised the public to rely only on trusted job portals, official recruitment agencies, or verified company websites for employment opportunities.
“Never let greed or desperation cloud your judgment. If a job offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” the police said, reiterating the importance of skepticism in the digital age.
The department encouraged citizens to report any suspicious messages, links, or websites to the nearest cyber police station or through the national helpline 1930. They also reminded users not to share bank details, OTPs, or identity documents with unverified sources online.
As online employment platforms continue to grow, the Kerala Police’s message serves as a timely reminder that cyber vigilance is the first line of defense against fraudsters seeking to exploit trust and financial vulnerability.