Internship Scams: How Students Are Being Tricked and How to Stay Safe
Many students, under college pressure, certificate requirements, and career urgency, are falling prey to fake internship offers. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Cyber Coordination Centre (I4C) have warned that these fake platforms lure students with easy tasks, certificates, and stipends, but in reality, there is no actual company or work, and money is stolen. Recently, students in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Surat have lost large sums to such scams.
How Fake Internship Scams Work
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Scammers often contact students via social media, job portals, or email.
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They create fake websites that look like real companies, sometimes imitating MSME or AICTE portals.
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Students are promised easy tasks, certificates, and sometimes stipends.
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Registration or training fees may be requested.
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In reality, there is no actual internship, and the money is lost.
How to Stay Safe
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Verify the offer – Check the company’s official website, contact number, and reviews.
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Do not pay any fees – Genuine internships do not require upfront payments.
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Use trusted platforms – LinkedIn, university career services, or government portals like the AICTE Internship Portal.
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Watch for red flags – Offers that seem too good to be true, emails with grammatical mistakes, or pressure to apply immediately are warning signs.
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Enhance security – Use two-factor authentication and avoid clicking unknown links.
Where to Report
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National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: cybercrime.gov.in (24/7 Helpline: 1930)
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Local police cyber cell – File an FIR immediately.
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If the scam claims association with AICTE or MSME, report directly via the AICTE website.
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Legal action can be taken under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for fraud.
Summary:
Students should carefully verify any internship offer before accepting. Avoid being lured by promises of easy tasks, certificates, or fees. Using trusted portals and government platforms ensures safety from digital fraud.
