Lucknow | January 3, 2026 | Another case of overseas job fraud has surfaced in Lucknow, where three conmen allegedly duped four people of nearly ₹3 lakh by promising employment in Saudi Arabia. Acting on a complaint filed by the victim, the Gudamba police station has registered an FIR against the accused under charges of cheating and criminal intimidation and has initiated an investigation.
According to the complaint, Rubaida, a resident of Adil Nagar on Kursi Road, told the police that her daughter Mantasha Ahmad is employed in Saudi Arabia after completing a nursing course, while her son Mohd. Ehtisham had earlier gone to Saudi Arabia in search of a driver’s job. During his stay there, he came in contact with Mehtab Alam, a resident of Lalganj in Azamgarh.
Old Acquaintance Exploited
Rubaida stated that due to health issues, her son returned to India in November 2024. Some time later, Mehtab Alam also came back to India and began assuring the family that, using his “contacts,” he could arrange well-paying jobs in Saudi Arabia for both the son and the daughter. Along with his associate Shams Alam, Mehtab also offered to arrange overseas jobs for two of Rubaida’s friends.
The accused allegedly began collecting money in installments under the pretext of medical tests and visa processing. A total of ₹1.46 lakh was transferred to the bank accounts of Shams and Mehtab. In addition, on May 27, Mehtab personally visited Rubaida’s house and took ₹1.50 lakh in cash.
Money Also Collected from Abroad
The fraud did not stop there. The accused also persuaded Rubaida’s daughter to transfer 1,000 Saudi riyals from Saudi Arabia. To maintain trust, they sent copies of visas and medical reports via WhatsApp, making the process appear legitimate.
When no concrete information regarding the job materialised, the family grew suspicious. Upon verification, it was discovered that the visa had been tampered with and the medical reports were completely fake.
Threats After Resistance
Rubaida alleged that when she confronted the accused and demanded her money back, Mehtab Alam, Shams Alam and their associate Jarrar Raza began threatening her. They allegedly warned of killing her, defaming her by circulating photos on social media, and causing harm both in India and Saudi Arabia.
Frightened by the threats, the victim approached the police. According to the Gudamba station house officer, a case has been registered against Mehtab Alam, Shams Alam and Jarrar Raza, and the matter is under active investigation.
Experts Warn: A New Face of Organised Cyber Fraud
Commenting on the case, the Future Crime Research Foundation said that frauds in the name of overseas employment have now taken the form of organised cyber crime. The organisation noted that fraudsters first build trust and then use digital documents, WhatsApp messages, and forged visa and medical papers to trap unsuspecting victims.
Former IPS officer and renowned cyber crime expert Triveni Singh said such frauds rely heavily on psychological pressure and false urgency. “Victims are lured with promises of foreign jobs, high salaries and fast-track processing. By the time suspicion arises, the money has already moved through multiple accounts,” he explained.
Expert Advisory
Prof. Singh urged people to verify an agent’s licence, confirm visa details directly with the embassy, and check the accreditation of medical centres before paying any money for overseas jobs. He also advised citizens to immediately report suspicious calls, messages or documents to the police or cyber helpline.
Investigating officers said that the roles of the accused are being examined in detail using bank transaction records, call detail records and digital evidence, and further action will follow based on the findings.
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.
