A professor in Noida has allegedly lost ₹1,27,770 to cyber fraudsters who promised to secure him a faculty position at Dhofar University in Oman. The suspects reportedly approached him through social media and demanded multiple payments in the name of recruitment formalities, document verification and registration.
The promised appointment never materialised, while requests for additional money continued. The professor subsequently approached the police, and a case has been registered at Sector 39 police station. Investigators are examining the bank accounts and digital communication allegedly used in the fraud.
Fake Overseas Faculty Appointment Offer
According to the complaint, the victim, identified as Professor Naushad, lives in Amrapali Sapphire society in Sector 45, Noida.
Unknown individuals allegedly contacted him through social media and claimed they could arrange an academic appointment at Dhofar University in Oman. Their communications reportedly presented the opportunity as a formal recruitment process requiring academic document checks and other administrative procedures.
Trusting the claims, the professor agreed to proceed. The suspects then allegedly began demanding payments for background processing, verification of academic certificates and registration requirements.
The money was transferred into bank accounts specified by the individuals contacting him.
Four Main Transactions Totalled ₹1,27,770
The complaint reportedly records four major transfers made during February 2026:
Date | Amount |
|---|---|
February 11, 2026 | ₹28,500 |
February 15, 2026 | ₹30,160 |
Subsequent payment | ₹31,110 |
February 26, 2026 | ₹38,000 |
Total | ₹1,27,770 |
The professor also reportedly faced requests for smaller payments, including ₹2,000 and ₹650, described as registration and processing charges.
As the demands continued without any confirmed appointment or meaningful progress, the victim became suspicious and realised that the recruitment offer might be fraudulent.
Police Investigate Bank Accounts and Digital Communications
Following the complaint, Sector 39 police registered a formal case and initiated an investigation.
Officers are reportedly examining the recipient bank accounts, transaction records and possible movement of the transferred funds. Investigators are also analysing the digital communications and online channels allegedly used to contact the professor.
The investigation is expected to focus on identifying the account holders and tracing the financial transactions connected with the suspected recruitment fraud.
Job Seekers Warned About Fake Overseas Recruitment Offers
Fraudulent recruitment schemes often misuse the names of recognised universities and companies to make false employment opportunities appear genuine. Candidates may be asked to pay for document verification, registration, visa processing or other administrative requirements before receiving a promised appointment.
Job seekers considering overseas employment should independently verify vacancies through the institution's official website and authorised recruitment contacts. They should also check the credentials of intermediaries and avoid transferring money to personal or unverified bank accounts based solely on social media messages.
For overseas recruitment-related procedures, candidates should consult the relevant official guidance and verify whether an intermediary is authorised to provide the claimed service.
The incident also highlights the importance of retaining payment records and online communications when dealing with suspected financial fraud. Individuals and organisations seeking assistance with suspicious financial transactions can explore Shunyatax's financial investigation and forensic support.
Anyone who suspects cyber fraud should report it promptly through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.