Fake Staffing Agency Scam Targets Traders, Hotel and Restaurant Owners; Authorities Issue Warning

Thiruvananthapuram: A new wave of online financial fraud is targeting traders, hotel owners, and restaurant proprietors across Keralam, with fraudsters posing as staffing agencies and promising to supply workers at short notice. The scam is being perpetrated through social media advertisements run in the name of fictitious recruitment firms.

The fraudsters contact business owners via WhatsApp, impersonating representatives of seemingly credible organisations. Current reports indicate that the scam is being operated under the names 'SKAN Crew' and 'SKAN Nexus'. To establish trust, they send victims fabricated contracts and official-looking documents, promising to deploy staff within a short period.

Once confidence is gained, the fraudsters demand advance payments citing registration fees, travel expenses, and other charges. After the money is transferred, they stall with a series of excuses before eventually cutting off all contact and disappearing with the funds.

Authorities have urged business owners to exercise extreme caution and verify the official registration, office address, and website of any staffing agency directly before entering into any agreement. Under no circumstances should advance payments be made without thoroughly establishing the credibility of the agency.

Anyone who falls victim to such fraud is advised to file a complaint immediately through the cyber helpline number 1930 or on the national cybercrime portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.