↓ Skip to main content
Background Image

Fake Job Offer Scam: How I Was Tricked by a Fraudulent HR Identity and lost ₹13,000

·457 words·3 mins· loading · loading · ·
Awareness Job Scam HR Impersonation Email Scam
Table of Contents

My Story: How I Got Scammed
#

On 25/04/2025, I received an email from harshoberoi01outlook.com, claiming to be Harsh Oberoi, Senior HR Manager at Granicus. The email offered me a Data Analyst position with an annual salary of ₹10,09,370.

As part of the hiring process, I was asked to enroll in a MATLAB Professional Certification course, which they claimed was mandatory for employment. I was told that the certification fee would be reimbursed with my first month’s salary. Trusting the legitimacy of the offer, I paid the course fee.

Later, when I tried to verify the hiring process, I found out that Granicus had no such recruitment or certification requirement, and the HR identity was entirely fake. The emails, the offer letter, and all communications had been professionally presented to build trust. I realized too late that the certification and job offer were part of an organized scam designed to defraud job seekers.

How the Fraud Happened
#

  1. Professional-Looking Communications: The scammers created a fake email ID and sent convincing emails, including a detailed offer letter, making the offer appear genuine.
  2. Building Trust: By mimicking official HR communication, providing salary details, and using professional language, the scammers gained my trust.
  3. Upfront Payment Request: The fraudsters asked me to pay for the MATLAB Professional Certification as a precondition for employment.
  4. Revealing the Scam: Upon cross-verifying with Granicus’ official HR department and website, I discovered that the job offer and certification requirement were fake.

Warning Signs: When to Exercise Caution
#

  • 🔴 Job offers from unofficial email addresses (like Gmail, Outlook, etc.) claiming to be from a company. Legitimate companies do not use free accounts like Outlook, Gmail, or Yahoo for official recruitment. They use verified corporate domains.
  • 🔴 Requests for payment for training, certifications, or other upfront fees.
  • 🔴 Excessively high salaries or perks that seem unrealistic for the position.
  • 🔴 Pressure to act quickly or enroll in a program to secure the job.

How to Protect Yourself
#

  1. Verify the Source: Always confirm the legitimacy of the recruiter and company through the official website and HR contact details.
  2. Do Not Pay for Job Offers: Genuine companies do not charge candidates for certifications, training, or processing fees to secure a position.
  3. Research Thoroughly: Check online for complaints or scam alerts related to the company or the recruiter.
  4. Trust Your Instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true, or the process feels rushed, take a step back. Consult with family or friends before making any payments.
  5. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: If you suspect fraud, reporting it on the cybercrime.gov.in portal is a must. This is the official platform for cybercrime complaints in India and ensures that your case is properly recorded and directed to the appropriate authorities.