Surat: Surat Municipal Corporation’s Recruitment Department has issued a public warning after detecting the alleged circulation of fake appointment letters created by unknown individuals. Officials said the forged documents appear to misuse the signature and stamp of Harsh Sanghavi as MLA of Majura, the SMC logo and municipal commissioner’s signature, along with the stamp and signature of Surat district collector and also the national emblem.However, no FIR has been lodged in the matter by SMC till now.A woman who had received the appointment letter had come to SMC from Rajasthan. Sources in SMC said that at least two other candidates have come in the recent past with fake appointment letters. It is suspected that the letter was sent by some fraudsters from Maharashtra.In the letter, the woman was informed that she had been appointed to the post of front office executive and offered a Rs 48,000 per month salary in hand. She was also offered accommodation in quarters.According to the department, such letters and related recruitment documents are being shared through social media platforms, WhatsApp, email and other communication channels. The corporation has cautioned candidates not to trust any appointment letter, recruitment document or official-looking correspondence unless its authenticity is verified through proper official channels.SMC stated that the fake appointment letter contained the SMC logo and included stamps and signatures resembling those of authorised offices. The corporation emphasised that these documents may be entirely fabricated and may have no connection to SMC’s real recruitment process.Recruitment Department has appealed to applicants to rely only on SMC’s official recruitment procedure and authorised sources for information. Candidates have been advised to verify key details on any appointment letter, including appointment particulars, outward number, date, recruitment advertisement references and other identifying information through official confirmation.The corporation also warned the public to remain cautious of unknown persons offering jobs in exchange for cash payments, online transfers, personal documents or sensitive information. Any demand for money or documentation as a condition for appointment should be treated as suspicious.Applicants who receive any doubtful appointment letter or recruitment-related document have been asked to contact SMC’s Recruitment Department for verification. SMC urged job seekers to avoid falling for inducements and to complete official checks before sharing money or personal documents with anyone.
