Agra: The promise of attractive jobs advertised on social media allegedly cost more than 2,500 unemployed youths across 15 states a combined loss of over ₹2 crore. Police in Agra have busted an alleged fake call center operating in the Tajganj area, where job seekers were reportedly lured through advertisements on Facebook and Instagram for security guard and supervisor positions. Four people, including the alleged mastermind and two women working at the call center, have been arrested.
According to police, the alleged call center had been operating for nearly two years from a rented flat in RK Puram under the Basai police outpost area of Tajganj. The gang reportedly posted advertisements offering monthly salaries ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000. Once unemployed youths contacted the numbers provided in the advertisements, the women working at the center allegedly contacted them and convinced them to make payments under various pretexts.
Social media advertisements were allegedly used to target job seekers
Investigators said the gang used Facebook and Instagram to circulate job advertisements and obtain contact details of potential candidates. The callers allegedly presented the recruitment process as genuine and sought information from applicants before asking them to pay money in the name of registration, document verification and other recruitment-related procedures.
The victims were allegedly instructed to transfer money either to bank accounts or through QR codes. After receiving the payments, the accused allegedly continued promising employment but failed to provide jobs or return the money.
Women allegedly received incentives for successful transfers
Police said the two women working at the alleged call center were being paid around ₹9,000 per month. Their alleged role was to contact prospective candidates, explain the supposed recruitment process and persuade them to make payments.
The women allegedly received additional incentives whenever a job seeker transferred money following their communication. Investigators are examining the payment records to determine how many transactions were facilitated through the call center and how the proceeds were distributed.
Four arrested after late-night raid
Police raided the rented flat in RK Puram on Saturday night and detained two men and two women. A case was registered on Sunday, after which the four accused were produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
Those arrested include alleged mastermind Tarun Kumar, a resident of Chhapra district in Bihar, Tajganj resident Ajay Kumar and two women who allegedly worked at the call center. Police are now investigating whether additional people were involved in operating the center, arranging bank accounts or transferring the proceeds.
10 mobile phones, 32 bank passbooks recovered
The raid led to the recovery of 10 mobile phones, 32 bank passbooks, 28 debit and credit cards, eight SIM cards, seven Aadhaar cards, six PAN cards and two voter identity cards.
Police also recovered 12 QR code scanners, a laptop, a computer, four stamps and identity cards and salary slips bearing the names of different companies. Investigators are examining the digital devices, banking documents and other material to establish whether fictitious companies were used to make the alleged recruitment operation appear legitimate.
The bank accounts and payment instruments recovered during the raid are also being examined to trace the flow of money. Investigators are trying to determine who controlled the accounts, where the collected money was ultimately transferred and whether the network had links with other fraudulent call centers.
Alleged fraud spread across 15 states
Preliminary investigation indicates that the alleged operation targeted more than 2,500 unemployed people in 15 states over a period of around two years. The suspected fraud is estimated to exceed ₹2 crore. Police are verifying the exact amount through bank records and transaction details.
Investigators are also checking whether the recovered documents and accounts were used in other forms of cyber or financial fraud. The identities of additional associates and beneficiaries of the alleged operation are being verified.
Police warn against paying for jobs advertised online
Police have advised job seekers to independently verify companies and recruitment offers before sharing personal documents or transferring money. Candidates have been advised to check the company’s official website, physical office and recruitment process rather than relying solely on advertisements posted on social media.
Authorities have also warned that demands for advance payment in exchange for a job should be treated as a major warning sign. People who fall victim to online financial fraud should immediately report the incident to the police and use the national cybercrime helpline 1930 to seek assistance.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
