You’re scrolling through your phone, and a message pops up:
“Congratulations! You’ve been shortlisted for a top-paying job. Just pay ₹499 to confirm your interview slot.”
Sounds familiar?
Here’s the thing—no real job will ever ask you to pay to get hired. But every day, thousands of people fall into this trap. Let’s break down how this scam works, why people fall for it, and how to protect yourself.
Why Scammers Target Job Seekers
These scams are designed to hit people when they’re most vulnerable—freshers, job seekers, those laid off, or anyone urgently looking for work.
They know you’re under pressure. They exploit that by creating urgency:
“Only 3 interview slots left!”
“Offer expires today!”
And suddenly, your logical brain takes a backseat. That’s what they’re counting on.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
If any of these show up in a job offer, treat it as a scam until proven otherwise:
Asking for a registration fee, interview fee, or training charge
Emails sent from Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail
Recruiters using WhatsApp or Telegram
Job offers with no job description
No trace of the company on LinkedIn or Google
Website looks fake, unfinished, or copied from another company
If you’re being asked to pay before you even walk into an interview, that’s your signal to walk away.
Real Companies Don’t Ask for Money
Legit companies don’t need your money to hire you. They:
Use official email IDs (like hr@companyname.com)
Send interview invitations through professional channels
Offer free training and onboarding
Pay for your background verification—not the other way around
Never, ever demand UPI payments or wallet transfers from candidates
If they’re asking for money, they’re not hiring—they’re hustling you.
What Happens If You Pay?
The second you send money:
They disappear. You’re blocked.
You won’t get a job—or even a call back.
Your name and number may get sold to other scammers.
You might keep getting hit with more fake “offers.”
Worse, you start doubting yourself—thinking you did something wrong.
It’s not just a small loss of cash. It’s a hit to your trust and confidence.
How to Protect Yourself
Google the company – Look for their official site, social handles, and employee reviews
Check the email domain – Official companies don’t use free Gmail IDs
Ask for a JD (job description) – Real jobs have real responsibilities
Don’t pay for anything – Interview, training, or document verification
Talk to others – Ask peers or check on job forums for red flags
Report scams – To cybercrime.gov.in or your local authorities
Real Story: “I Lost ₹800 to a Fake Bank Job”
“I got a call from someone claiming to be from a top private bank. They said I was shortlisted for a customer service role and asked me to pay ₹800 for training materials. It sounded professional, and I was desperate. I paid. Never heard from them again.”
– Raj, 24, Bengaluru
Scammers count on silence. Speak up. Warn others.
Final Thoughts
Let’s get one thing straight:
If someone asks you to pay for a job interview, it’s not a job—it’s a scam.
Jobs should help you earn, not make you spend before you start. Trust your gut, verify everything, and never be afraid to walk away from something that feels off.
If this post helped you, share it. You might save someone from making a costly mistake.