In a cautionary tale for students and young professionals, Instagram user Bhomi has revealed her unfortunate experience with an internship scam. Her story highlights the growing issue of fraudulent internships targeting students seeking real industry experience.
Bhomi, a student searching for valuable work experience, came across two promising internship opportunities on Internshala, a popular platform for student internships. She chose a position as an influencer manager with a company that promised a stipend of ₹15,000. The role involved managing influencers for a company event, which seemed like a great opportunity initially.
The Red Flags Emerge
As Bhomi began her work, she quickly noticed discrepancies. The tasks she was assigned did not match the promised stipend. Her concerns grew when a senior colleague informed her that the company required a registration fee, a common scam tactic. This prompted Bhomi to investigate further.
Uncovering the Scam
Upon checking the company’s address and GST number, Bhomi discovered that neither existed. When she attempted to confront the company, the owner blocked her, solidifying her realization that she had been scammed.
Public Reaction
Bhomi shared her story in a video posted on August 11, which has since garnered over 19,000 views and more than 600 likes. The video has resonated with many, drawing comments from viewers who have experienced similar situations. Reactions include, “They always target college-going young people only,” and, “So we’ve all got scammed for at least once in our life?” Another commenter advised, “Bro, gotta be alert.”
Bhomi’s experience serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant while applying for internships and to verify the legitimacy of companies before committing. Her story is a testament to the importance of awareness and caution in the increasingly complex job market.