Mangaluru: Student organisations ABVP and NSUI cautioned students against falling prey to chain marketing and pyramid schemes disguised as job opportunities, after more than 100 students from various colleges were allegedly cheated by a private firm operating in the city.Addressing a joint press meet on Thursday along with affected students, Muliya Satwik of All College Students’ Association affiliated to ABVP, alleged that the company, functioning from a commercial complex in Kudroli, targeted college students with offers of part-time jobs and business opportunities.
He said the firm allegedly lured students with promises of income while pursuing their studies and later compelled them to invest money under the pretext of training and product purchases. “Over 100 students reportedly fell victim. The student body will pursue legal action against such chain marketing and pyramid scheme companies operating in Mangaluru,” he said.Christon Menezes, president of NSUI Mangaluru unit, said the matter would be brought to the attention of the state govt to ensure strict action and prevent such firms from exploiting students.He noted that internships are mandatory for many courses, making students more likely to apply for seemingly genuine opportunities. “This vulnerability is being misused. Strict action must be taken against the company concerned,” he said.One of the victims said she came across a social media ad offering a digital marketing job. After contacting the firm, she was asked to attend a three-day residential training programme by paying Rs 2,500. “After the training, I was instructed to purchase products such as electronics, cosmetics, and sarees worth Rs 51,000, sell them, and enrol three more people to the training programme,” she said.She added that she took the money from her mother, claiming it was needed to buy a laptop. “When I realised it was a scam, I demanded a refund. After repeated follow-ups and harassment, including a visit to the CEN crime police station, I finally managed to recover my money,” she said. The issue has been brought to the notice of the Mangaluru East police.
