Mangaluru: Serious allegations have surfaced against a Maharashtra-based firm named VEXON, which is said to be operating from Kudroli and allegedly cheating students by promising marketing and web-related jobs. Over the past two years, the company is accused of duping hundreds of youth of crores of rupees through what students describe as a “chain-link” business model.

Students who claim to have lost money addressed a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club, detailing their experiences. Leaders of NSUI and ABVP student organisations were present and warned that protests would continue until such alleged fake companies are shut down.

Students narrate alleged modus operandi

One student said she approached the company after seeing an online advertisement for web designer and web developer posts. She was informed that she would have to undergo a three-day training programme, with food and accommodation provided, for which she was asked to pay Rs 2,500. Upon completion, she was allegedly promised a monthly salary of Rs 32,000.

“During the training, they brainwashed us. They enquired about our family’s financial condition and claimed we could earn lakhs within months,” she alleged.

According to her, she was later asked to pay Rs 11,000 and was given electronic items, sarees and cosmetic products. When she expressed inability to arrange the amount, she was allegedly told to collect money from home under the pretext of buying a laptop, with assurances that the amount would be doubled soon. She said she pledged her mother’s gold ornaments to raise the money.

She further alleged that she was instructed to enrol three more members to recover her investment. When she failed to bring in others, she began to suspect foul play. “Items worth Rs 100 were sold to us for Rs 1,000. When I demanded my money back, they refused,” she claimed.

The student also alleged that when she threatened to lodge a police complaint, a few personnel from Kadri police station were present at the office premises.

Emotional distress and recovery of money

Unable to face her family after losing the money, the student said she contemplated suicide and went to the Netravati river. A timely phone call from a friend, who advised her to approach the police instead, prevented her from taking the extreme step.

She later returned to the office and allegedly threatened self-harm if her money was not refunded. After sustained pressure, she managed to recover the amount paid. However, she claimed that many other college students remain trapped in the scheme.

Another student alleged that more than 50 students from various colleges are currently associated with the company. She claimed that youth from economically weaker backgrounds are specifically targeted and asked to pay up to Rs 51,000.

Recruits are allegedly discouraged from contacting outsiders during the so-called training period and are told they can earn returns by enrolling two additional members. The student said she had taken a loan to pay Rs 51,000 after being promised a web designer job and assured salary post-training.

“Later, I was told I would get Rs 11,000 per referral if I brought in two more members. That is when I realised it was not a genuine job but a chain-link scheme,” she alleged.

On realising the alleged fraud, she approached her college principal, who advised her to file a complaint. A police complaint has since been lodged at Kadri police station.

Student organisations demand action

Leaders from the National Students’ Union of India and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad attended the press meet and expressed concern over the growing number of such alleged scams targeting students.

NSUI leader Christen Menezes demanded immediate closure of the firm and questioned how such operations could continue for two years. He alleged that similar fake companies had been exposed in the past, yet strict action had not been taken to prevent recurrence.

Student leaders also questioned the role of local authorities and claimed that the building owner had supported the company’s operations, citing rental income and trade licence claims.

They warned that protests would continue until authorities conduct a thorough investigation and shut down any fraudulent operations found to be cheating students.

Call for vigilance

The students urged their peers to verify job offers carefully and avoid paying money upfront for employment promises. They also appealed to parents and educational institutions to create awareness about chain-link and multi-level marketing schemes disguised as job opportunities.

With complaints now before the police, the affected students have demanded a fair probe and strict action against those responsible. The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of job-seeking youth to fraudulent schemes and the urgent need for stronger monitoring and enforcement.