Work-from-home job scam exposed: Social media influencer, associate booked by Cyber Police

₹78,000 monthly salary promise used to cheat job seekers; victims lured through social media, WhatsApp groups, Zoom meetings, and fake corporate identities

A major work-from-home job scam has come to light in Bengaluru, with serious allegations of cheating and financial fraud against social media influencer Sahil Ghouse Pasha and his associate Rajeev Shukla. Based on complaints from victims, the City Cyber Crime Police Station has registered a cheating case and launched a detailed investigation.

According to the complaint, the accused used social media platforms to post attractive work-from-home job offers, promising a monthly salary of ₹78,000. The posts were shared from an account operated by Sahil Ghouse, who has nearly 1.5 lakh followers, giving the scheme a sense of credibility.

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Victims were first asked to visit a location near the PPF Army office in KR Puram to submit documents. Later, they were added to WhatsApp groups, where detailed instructions and job-related information were shared. The accused then sent Zoom meeting links, during which multiple individuals were introduced.

During these online meetings, Rajeev Shukla reportedly introduced himself as the CEO of “Facebook Lite Meta Company”, creating a false corporate image. The group was also given information related to WHO health cards and Emirates Airlines (UAE), claiming that job-related training and overseas travel opportunities were part of the offer.

The accused allegedly collected visa-related documents of people planning to travel abroad and instructed them to email the details to Rajeev Shukla. They further convinced victims that they could invest money along with the job opportunity to earn higher returns. To gain trust, they allegedly claimed that Bhaskar Rao and a few police officers were supporting the project, thereby building false confidence.

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One of the complainants has stated that ₹1.7 lakh was taken from him as investment, after which communication gradually reduced and no job or returns were provided. Police believe that several people have been cheated in a similar manner, using the promise of jobs as a cover for financial fraud.

Based on these allegations, a cheating case has been registered against Sahil Ghouse Pasha and Rajeev Shukla, and cyber crime police have begun a full-scale investigation. Authorities have warned citizens to remain cautious about online job offers, especially those demanding money or personal documents.