Top News

Internship Scam: In the digital age, opportunities worldwide are available with just a click. However, this has also led to a deepening shadow of cybercrime. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a serious warning. Cyber ​​fraudsters are using similar names and fake letterheads of top MNCs to lure young people with fake internship offers. These criminals, active on platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and LinkedIn, trap young people by offering lucrative stipends and "work from home" opportunities.

These fraudsters typically target freshers looking for their first internship. They send them a professional-looking offer letter and then extort large sums of money in the name of registration fees, laptop security deposits, or training fees. Excited about their first opportunity, young people transfer the money without proper verification. This scam is not limited to financial loss; it has also escalated to the theft of sensitive data and even trapping young people in schemes like "digital arrest" through intimidation and threats.

Cyber ​​Knowledge: Fake Letterheads and Authentic-Looking Emails
Cyber ​​fraudsters are now directly copying the logos and official letterheads of large companies. They use emails that look completely official. When students click on the links provided in these emails, they are redirected to a phishing website where they are asked to share their bank details and personal information.

The Game of Greed: Fraud in the Name of Ratings and Tasks

The scam often begins with very small tasks, such as liking YouTube videos or giving hotel ratings. To gain trust, the fraudsters initially pay small amounts, like 100-200 rupees. Once the student's trust is established, they are asked to invest larger sums of money for premium tasks or VIP memberships. As soon as the young people invest the money, the fraudsters disappear. I4C's Warning Signs

Cyber ​​experts have identified some signs that can help you immediately spot a fake job offer:

Demand for money: No top-level company will ask for money, a deposit, or bond money for an internship or job.

Personal email address: Be cautious if the email comes from a free service like @gmail.com or @yahoo.com. Official emails always come from the company's domain (e.g., @microsoft.com).

Excessive stipend: If the offered salary is disproportionately high compared to the work, understand that something is amiss.
The Growing Threat of Digital Arrest
A dangerous aspect of these scams is 'digital arrest'. In this, fraudsters impersonate police or government officials and threaten you, claiming that something illegal has been found in your bank account or parcel. They then demand money to 'settle the matter'. Remember, no police officer can arrest you via a video call.

The Only Mantra for Staying Safe
If you receive a suspicious offer, go directly to the company's official website and check their 'Careers' page or call their official toll-free number. If you have fallen victim to a scam, instead of feeling embarrassed, immediately call the National Cyber ​​Crime Helpline number 1930 or register your complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.