Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, Feb 06: In a crucial step to safeguard job-seeking youth from fraudulent recruitment scams, Andaman Sheekha has lodged a complaint against a suspected fake job advertisement with the Cyber Cell of A&N Police for a thorough investigation.
On January 27, 2025, Andaman Sheekha received an advertisement request from JK Publicity Advertising Agency, based in Indore, for a recruitment drive allegedly conducted by ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation). The newspaper, committed to providing employment-related opportunities, published the ad in both its print edition and Facebook group.
However, in a shocking revelation, a vigilant reader recently alerted the newspaper that the recruiter was demanding money from job applicants, raising suspicions of a possible fraud. This prompted Andaman Sheekha Team to take immediate action and investigate the legitimacy of the advertisement.
Upon reaching out to JK Publicity, the agency provided a PAN card, Aadhaar card of the individual who submitted the advertisement, and a letter supposedly from an ONGC employee. However, based on experience, Andaman Sheekha found the letter to be potentially fake.
Determined to get to the truth, the newspaper’s editor personally contacted the recruiter, who initially claimed to be based in Port Blair. When asked for an official ONGC office address, the individual gave multiple, conflicting addresses and ultimately refused to disclose his name. Furthermore, when confronted about demanding money from candidates, he dismissed the concern, stating:
“It’s the candidate’s choice to pay or not. Why are you wasting your time?”
His evasive behavior, refusal to provide proper details, and abrupt disconnection of calls raised serious red flags, reinforcing the suspicion that the advertiser was falsely posing as an ONGC recruiter to dupe job seekers.
Taking a strong stance against potential fraud, Andaman Sheekha has filed a formal complaint with the Cyber Cell, A&N Police, on 6th February 2025 evening (via email) urging an immediate investigation into the matter to prevent innocent youth from falling prey to the scam.
Andaman Sheekha team also shared necessary documents to police viz PAN & Aadhaar card copies of the advertiser; A suspicious letter claiming ONGC affiliation; Phone numbers of the advertiser and JK Publicity and Copy of the recruitment ad and demand for money from candidates.
Andaman Sheekha Team strongly warns all job seekers to be cautious and to never pay money for job applications or recruitment processes. Legitimate organizations do not charge fees for hiring, and any demand for money should be considered a red flag for fraud.
As a responsible media organization, Andaman Sheekha remains committed to protecting the interests of local youths and will continue to expose any fraudulent activities that threaten their future.
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