Internship fraud alert: Mumbai influencer scammed by ‘Dream Job’ shares how to spot a fake company

In today's competitive job market, internships offer students a crucial stepping stone into their chosen industries. However, the increasing demand for such opportunities has also given rise to scams preying on unsuspecting students. A recent case involves Bhomi, a Mumbai-based social media influencer, who almost fell victim to a fraudulent internship.

The Promise of a Dream Internship

Bhomi shared her unsettling experience in a viral Instagram video, where she detailed how a seemingly promising internship turned out to be a scam. Her journey began when she applied for internships through Internshala, a popular platform for students seeking work experience. After receiving offers from two companies, she chose to work as an "influencer manager" for a corporate solutions company supposedly organizing a global event.

A Suspicious Role and Unusual Demands

Initially, the internship appeared legitimate, with a promised stipend of Rs 15,000. However, as Bhomi began her duties, red flags started to emerge. The influencers she was tasked to manage were far from what one would expect; they were merely private Instagram accounts with minimal followings, raising her suspicions. "I realized something was off when I saw that the influencers had only 150-200 followers," Bhomi recalled.

Uncovering The Truth

Her concerns deepened when a senior colleague informed her that the company was demanding a registration fee from its interns—a clear indicator of a potential scam. Determined to verify the legitimacy of the firm, Bhomi conducted a thorough search for the company's address and its GST Identification Number (GSTIN), only to find that they didn't exist. Shortly thereafter, the company's owner blocked her and other interns, confirming her worst fears.

A Cautionary Tale for Job Seekers

In her video, Bhomi emphasized the importance of being vigilant and not ignoring warning signs when dealing with online job offers. "Do not ignore red flags," she advised, reflecting on her experience. She also made it clear that Internshala, the platform through which she found the internship, was not at fault, stating, "Internshala tried to help me a lot when the owner was unresponsive."

Internshala has since blacklisted the fraudulent company, ensuring that it can no longer deceive other students. The incident serves as a stark reminder to students to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before accepting any job offers, especially those that seem too good to be true.

Bhomi’s video has since garnered over 19,000 views, with many Instagram users sharing their thoughts and experiences in the comments. One user wrote, "They always target college-going young people only," while another commented, "So we've all got scammed at least once in our life?"

Bhomi’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone seeking internships online, highlighting the need for awareness and due diligence to avoid falling prey to scams.