Udupi: A 23-year-old woman fell victim to an online job fraud after allegedly being promised employment as an assistant designer with an Indian streaming service platform. The accused, posing as a company representative, allegedly conducted a fake interview, issued forged offer letters, and collected over Rs 1 lakh from the victim under various pretexts, including membership fees, travel insurance, and accommodation charges.In a complaint, the woman from Santhekatte stated that at 3.30 pm on Sept 19, a person identifying himself as Shivam Daggubati contacted her over phone, claiming to represent the platform, and conducted a first-round interview. A week later, she received an offer letter stating that she needed to obtain a membership from the Film Costume Designers Associate by paying Rs 2,800. Accordingly, on Sept 24, she transferred the money.Later, on Oct 1, 2025, she received an appointment letter through mail, instructing her to pay Rs 48,500 for a travel insurance certificate. She allegedly transferred the said amount and an additional Rs 1,500 through a scanner on the same day. When she enquired about accommodation, the accused asked her to pay Rs 47,200. Accordingly, she sent Rs 25,000 on Oct 3, and Rs 22,200 on Oct 4, she claimed.Subsequently, the accused told her that she must pay Rs 1.2 lakh towards travel insurance or risk losing her job. Realising she was defrauded, the complainant demanded a refund of Rs 1.1 lakh, but the accused neither returned the money nor provided the promised job. A case was registered at the Udupi Town police station, under Section 318(4) (punishment for cheating) of the BNS and the Information Technology Act.
