Bhubaneswar police have busted a major job fraud racket with the arrest of a fake consultant accused of cheating job seekers of over 60 lakh. The accused of job fraud in Odisha, identified as the owner of Sanjog Consultancy, had been promising jobs in banks and government departments to desperate candidates.
How the Scam Worked
The accused operated out of offices in Nayapalli and Jharapada and collected lakhs from unemployed youths with false promises of bank and government jobs. With an MCA background, he used a seemingly legitimate setup to lure job seekers. He was first reported by Debabrata Karna of Boudh district, who paid 6 lakh for a supposed State Bank job. As more complaints poured in, police uncovered a total of five victims who had been duped of amounts ranging from 6 lakh to over 15 lakh.
The victims were promised roles such as probationary officers in banks and positions in postal services. One of them waited nearly two years before lodging a complaint, as the accused kept changing office locations and became unreachable.
Police Action and Investigation
The police arrested the accused and recovered 6 lakh in cash. Investigations revealed he had opened similar offices in Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Authorities suspect the total fraud amount could be even higher as more victims are expected to come forward.
Police are also examining digital evidence from his phone and laptop to check for fake appointment letters and additional accomplices. The consultant is now in judicial custody.
The DCP emphasized the need for job seekers to verify recruitment agencies before making payments. The police have recently cracked down on multiple job scams, including a separate case involving three men from Mumbai running a fake Israel job racket.
How to Stay Safe from Job Scams like job fraud of Odisha
To protect yourself from job fraud, always verify the credentials of placement agencies before making any payment. Genuine employers do not ask for large sums upfront. Be cautious if you’re promised high-paying roles with minimal qualifications or effort. Check for official websites, physical office addresses, and registration details. Avoid sharing sensitive documents over email or WhatsApp. If something feels off, consult local police or cybercrime portals before proceeding. Staying alert is your first defense against employment scams.
About The Author- Ayush Chaurasia is a postgraduate student passionate about cybersecurity, threat hunting, and global affairs. He explores the intersection of technology, psychology, national security, and geopolitics through insightful writing.