Hyderabad: A 42-year-old woman from Moosapet, Hyderabad, was duped into paying Rs 29.27 lakh in the guise of a full-time job offer in Japan. The woman, an accounts and delivery manager, was approached by a company called Renoir Group in July 2023, which promised her a job with Hitachi Automotive.
The woman was sent an offer letter and an In-Principal Approval (IPA) for employment in Japan. She was asked to pay a refundable deposit of Rs 33,780, which she did. Over the next few months, she was asked to pay various other charges, which she was told were refundable with a 40% bonus and relocation once her visa was stamped.
The woman’s meeting with Hitachi representatives was scheduled in Delhi, but it was postponed due to the G20 summit and then again due to a large number of candidates dropping out of the offer. She was later told that the meeting would be conducted in Bengaluru in October, but it was delayed again due to candidates falling ill with dengue and other health issues.
The woman was then told that the first batch meeting was in process and that she would have to join the second batch, as only limited visa stamping was done at the Japan Consultancy in Bengaluru on a given day. She was asked to pay an additional amount for the meeting, but she grew suspicious and contacted the Embassy of Japan in Bengaluru.
The embassy confirmed that Hitachi was not conducting any recruitment drive in Japan. The woman then lodged a complaint with the Cyberabad cybercrime wing, who registered a case and started an investigation.
This incident is a reminder to be cautious of job offers that seem too good to be true. Always do your research on the company and the position before applying, and be wary of any requests for upfront payments. If you are unsure about a job offer, it is always best to consult with a trusted friend or family member.
