Unemployed Men in Rural India Fall Prey to Fake Pregnancy Job Scam

A disturbing new scam has emerged in rural India, where unemployed men are being duped by false promises of jobs related to pregnancy care. Targeting vulnerable individuals in areas with high unemployment, the scammers have been exploiting the lack of awareness in rural districts to profit from their fraudulent activities.

The scammers claim to offer jobs at government hospitals or clinics, specifically in the field of pregnancy care and reproductive health. Victims are asked to pay a registration or training fee ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 to secure a position. They are then provided with fake certificates and ID cards that make the scam appear legitimate.
This scam has primarily affected rural districts in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. These regions, which suffer from high unemployment rates and limited access to reliable information, have become hotspots for fraudsters preying on desperate job seekers.

The fraudsters begin by posting fake job openings on social media platforms or in local newspapers. Once a potential victim expresses interest, the scammers contact them, promising lucrative employment opportunities in pregnancy care. After asking for a registration fee, they provide fake training sessions or orientation programs to further convince the victim of the legitimacy of the job. 

Unfortunately, once the victim has paid the required fees, they never receive any job placement, and the scammers disappear, leaving the victims with financial losses and emotional distress.
The victims of this scam face significant consequences, including: The ₹5,000-₹10,000 fee paid by each victim is a substantial sum, particularly in rural areas where incomes are lower. Many victims feel embarrassed and betrayed after realising they've been scammed, leading to stress and anxiety. The time and resources spent on the fake training sessions or job searches have been completely wasted.

Local police have launched investigations into the scam, with efforts to track down the fraudsters. In addition, awareness campaigns are being conducted in the affected areas to educate people about the scam and how to recognize fake job postings. To avoid falling prey to similar scams, experts urge job seekers to: Always cross-check job opportunities through official government websites or recognized recruitment platforms. Investigate the company or organisation thoroughly before making any payments. Be sceptical of job offers that come unsolicited, especially those requiring advance payments. If something seems too good to be true, report it to local authorities or consumer protection organisations.