New Delhi: A woman was allegedly cheated of ₹3 lakh on the pretext of securing a cabin crew job for her son at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). The accused allegedly posed as an airport employee and assured the woman that he could arrange a job for her son. After connecting with her through Facebook, he allegedly collected money from her in several instalments but neither arranged the promised job nor returned the money. Following a complaint, the Cyber Police of the Northeast district arrested the accused, identified as 32-year-old Rajiv Kumar.
According to police, Kumar is a resident of Shiv Vihar. A mobile phone allegedly used in the fraud and several documents have been recovered from his possession. Investigators are now examining the recovered material and questioning the accused to determine whether he allegedly targeted other people using a similar method.
Woman connected with accused through Facebook
In her complaint, Shiv Vihar resident Somwati told police that she came in contact with Rajiv Kumar through Facebook in July 2024. During their conversations, Kumar allegedly claimed that he worked at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
He allegedly used his purported position at the airport to gain Somwati’s confidence and offered to arrange a cabin crew position for her son. The proposal appeared attractive to the family because her son was looking for employment.
According to the complaint, Kumar subsequently began demanding money in the name of the recruitment process, selection and other formalities. He allegedly assured Somwati that once the required payments were made, her son would be appointed to a job connected with the airport.
₹3 lakh collected in instalments
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly collected a total of ₹3 lakh from Somwati in different instalments. She made the payments believing that her son would soon receive the promised job.
However, after receiving the money, Kumar allegedly failed to arrange the employment. When Somwati repeatedly asked about the status of the job and sought the return of her money, the accused allegedly began delaying the matter.
As neither the promised job was provided nor the money returned, Somwati eventually suspected that she had been cheated and approached the police.
Cyber police launch investigation
Somwati subsequently approached the Cyber Police and submitted a complaint alleging that Kumar had falsely represented himself as an airport employee and taken ₹3 lakh from her on the promise of securing employment for her son.
Police began investigating the complaint and examined the accused’s identity, digital contacts and communication records. The Cyber Cell subsequently traced Kumar and arrested him on the basis of technical evidence and other investigative inputs.
Mobile phone and documents recovered
Police recovered the mobile phone allegedly used by Kumar to communicate with the complainant, along with some documents. Investigators are examining the phone for call records, messages, social media activity and other digital evidence that could establish how the alleged fraud was carried out.
A key part of the investigation is to determine how Kumar allegedly presented himself as an airport employee and whether he used any documents or information to support the claim.
Police are also investigating whether Kumar had any genuine connection with the airport or aviation sector, or whether he allegedly created a false identity simply to gain the confidence of people seeking employment.
Probe underway for possible additional victims
Northeast district Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Alwal confirmed the case and the arrest of the accused. Police are now questioning Kumar to determine whether he allegedly carried out similar frauds against other job seekers.
Investigators are also examining the documents recovered from his possession and his digital communication history. If additional victims or transactions are identified, further action may follow.
The case highlights the risks associated with job offers made through social media. Police advise job seekers and their families to independently verify recruitment claims, particularly when an individual demands money in advance while claiming to have access to airport, airline or government employment.
Recruitment-related payments should not be made solely on the basis of verbal assurances or claims of personal influence. Verifying the employer, recruitment process and official communication channels before transferring money can help prevent employment-related fraud.
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.
