Fraudsters Exploit Tata Semiconductor Project with Fake Job Offers
Fraudulent Job Offers Linked to Tata Semiconductor Project
Guwahati, Jan 6: As the Tata semiconductor initiative prepares to launch in Jagiroad, con artists have begun targeting job seekers with phony employment opportunities related to this significant project. Authorities in Morigaon have apprehended multiple suspects, and a court has ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to one of the detainees.
According to police reports, a lecturer named Saiqul Islam from Hatichong College in Nagaon, along with accomplices, disseminated false information via social media, claiming they could secure jobs within the semiconductor venture. They even conducted bogus training sessions and issued counterfeit provisional appointment letters, charging candidates Rs 5,000 each.
In a subsequent phase, these fraudsters provided final appointment letters, demanding between Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 from each applicant. They went so far as to produce fake Tata Group letterheads during their scheme. Records indicate that approximately 200 individuals fell victim to this scam.
Following a thorough investigation, police arrested three suspects and discovered Rs 24.95 lakh in two of Saiqul Islam's accounts at ICICI Bank and State Bank of India. On January 3, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Morigaon ordered the attachment of Islam's bank accounts under clause 107 of the BNS.
This incident is not isolated; there have been previous attempts by fraudsters to deceive individuals with job promises linked to the Tata semiconductor project. On October 10 of the previous year, officials from Tata Semiconductor reported to the police about a fraudulent job advertisement circulating on social media, falsely representing Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Private Limited. This misleading advertisement included a nine-page PDF that appeared to be an official recruitment document.
The fake ad also contained a web link, and its authenticity was so convincing that some media outlets mistakenly reported that the Tata semiconductor project had commenced its hiring process.
In November of last year, police arrested Abdul Samim from Golaghat, who had collected money from candidates using bank accounts in Kolkata, indicating that he had connections in the city to facilitate his fraudulent activities.