Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy has cautioned people seeking jobs abroad against fraudulent recruitment agents who allegedly promise overseas employment and visas in exchange for money.

In a social media video shared on Friday, the Commissioner advised job seekers to verify the credentials of recruitment agencies before entering into any agreement or making payments. He specifically urged those looking for overseas employment to approach only recruiting agents registered with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The warning comes amid continued concerns over overseas job and visa fraud, in which people looking for employment in countries such as Canada, Europe and other destinations can be targeted by unauthorised intermediaries.

Commissioner urges job seekers to verify agents

Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said there are around 25 to 30 registered recruiting agents that job seekers can approach in the region.

He advised prospective overseas employees to verify an agency’s registration and credentials before paying any amount or signing an agreement. The details of active recruiting agents can be checked through the MEA’s official emigration portal.

The Commissioner also pointed out that people often approach the police only after they have already lost money. By that stage, recovering the amount can become difficult, even when the police register a case and arrest the accused.

The warning therefore focuses on prevention, with job seekers being advised to conduct checks before making payments rather than waiting until a fraud has occurred.

Overseas job seekers targeted by fake offers

Fraudulent overseas recruitment schemes can involve claims of guaranteed jobs, visas and attractive salaries. Applicants may be asked to make advance payments for recruitment, documentation, visa processing or other services.

The Ministry of External Affairs has previously warned about illegal recruiting agents offering fake overseas jobs, including through social media platforms and messaging applications. An MEA advisory said unregistered agents have been involved in cheating prospective emigrants and advised job seekers to use only registered recruiting agents.

The advisory also warned that going abroad through unauthorised recruitment channels can result not only in financial losses but also in situations where workers do not receive the promised employment or face difficult conditions after reaching another country.

Check MEA registration before making payments

The Mangaluru Police Commissioner has advised job seekers to check the list of MEA-registered recruiting agents on the official emigration portal before proceeding with recruitment.

Applicants should verify whether the agency is currently registered and ensure that the details provided by the agent match the information available through the government system.

The MEA has also stated that registered recruiting agents are issued a licence number, which is required to be displayed at their office and in their advertisements.

This verification can help job seekers distinguish authorised recruitment agencies from intermediaries operating without the required permission.

Be cautious about advance payments

Job seekers have also been advised to exercise caution when an agent demands money before providing clear documentation about the employer, job role, salary and recruitment process.

According to the MEA’s earlier advisory, registered recruiting agents are subject to a limit on the service charges they can collect from prospective emigrants. The advisory states that, under the Emigration Act, the service charge should not exceed Rs 30,000 plus 18% GST for services provided to an emigrant, with a receipt to be issued for the amount collected.

Applicants should therefore seek proper receipts and documentation for payments and avoid relying solely on verbal assurances or messages received through social media.

Mangaluru has seen overseas job fraud cases

The latest warning is also relevant in the context of earlier overseas employment fraud cases reported in Mangaluru.

In July 2025, Mangaluru City Police said more than 300 people had allegedly been defrauded of over Rs 4 crore in a case involving promises of overseas jobs. Police had arrested accused persons in connection with the case and said they had allegedly operated an office in Mangaluru and used advertisements and misleading claims to attract job seekers.

Such cases have highlighted the financial risks faced by people who depend on private agents to secure employment abroad.

Police urge people to act before losing money

Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy’s latest appeal places emphasis on checking an agent’s credentials before entering into an agreement or transferring money.

People who are considering overseas employment can verify recruitment agencies through the government’s emigration system and should retain copies of agreements, receipts and other recruitment documents.

If an offer appears suspicious or an agent refuses to provide verifiable registration and employment details, prospective workers should exercise caution and seek official assistance before proceeding.

Conclusion

Mangaluru City Police have urged overseas job seekers to verify recruitment agents through the Ministry of External Affairs before paying money or signing agreements. The warning follows concerns over fraudulent overseas job and visa offers and the difficulty of recovering money after a scam has occurred.