A major visa fraud case has come to light in which a Bengaluru-based accountant was allegedly cheated of over ₹4.3 lakh by a consultancy firm that promised him a job in the United States but instead sent him to Armenia, leaving him stranded without employment or support.
According to the complaint, the victim, a diploma holder with experience in the logistics sector, contacted a visa consultancy located in Rajajinagar in September 2025. Representatives of the firm assured him of a well-paying logistics job in the US and claimed they would handle the entire process, including visa approval, travel arrangements, and accommodation.
FCRF Academy Launches Premier Anti-Money Laundering Certification Program
How the Visa‑Job Fraud Unfolded
Trusting these assurances, the victim initially paid ₹50,000 as an advance. He was later asked to transfer an additional ₹3 lakh through RTGS. Subsequently, he was charged another ₹80,000 under the pretext of flight bookings, taking the total amount paid to more than ₹4.3 lakh.
The consultancy issued travel documents, and in November 2025, the man began his journey from Bengaluru. He traveled through Hyderabad and Dubai before arriving in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, instead of the United States as promised.
Stranded in Armenia and Aftermath
Upon arrival, he was allegedly informed that no such job existed. Another agent reportedly told him that only low-paid construction work was available, which was completely different from what had been promised. When he refused, he was left without assistance or proper support.
Stranded in a foreign country without financial or institutional help, the victim managed to arrange his own return to India, incurring further expenses. After returning, he repeatedly tried to contact the consultancy for clarification and a refund, but received no response.
Following this, he filed a complaint at a Bengaluru police station against the consultancy representative, Mamatha Shankar, and her associate Syed, accusing them of cheating and fraud. Based on the complaint, police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.
Investigation, Wider Network, and Public Warning
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused operated a coordinated scam involving fake job promises, visa processing claims, and fabricated travel packages to extract money from unsuspecting applicants. Authorities believe there may be more victims linked to the same network.
Police are currently examining bank transactions, digital communication records, and call data to trace the flow of money and identify others involved in the racket. Investigators are also probing whether additional agents or intermediaries were part of the operation.
Experts have warned that such fraud cases are increasing, particularly targeting individuals seeking overseas employment opportunities. They advise applicants to verify all job offers through official channels and avoid dealing with unregistered consultants who promise guaranteed visas or jobs.
Authorities have reiterated that overseas employment scams often rely on false promises and emotional manipulation, exploiting the aspirations of job seekers. Officials are urging the public to exercise caution and report suspicious consultancy services immediately.
The case once again highlights the growing threat of international job fraud networks that operate under the guise of visa and recruitment services, causing both financial loss and emotional distress to victims chasing opportunities abroad.
