Bengaluru Accountant Paid Rs 4.3 Lakh For US Job, Stranded In Armenia Now

A Bengaluru-based accountant has alleged that he was duped of over Rs 4.3 lakh by a visa consultancy firm that promised him a logistics job in the United States but instead left him stranded in a foreign country without employment. According to police, the case highlights a growing pattern of overseas job fraud targeting individuals seeking opportunities abroad.

The victim, a diploma holder with experience in logistics, reportedly approached a consultancy firm in Rajajinagar in September 2025. He was allegedly assured by a representative, Mamatha Shankar, that the firm would secure him a logistics job in the US and manage all related processes, including visa, travel, and accommodation. Trusting these claims, he initially paid Rs 50,000 as an advance,

followed by Rs 3 lakh via RTGS. He was later asked to pay an additional Rs 80,000 for flight arrangements, taking the total payment to over Rs 4.3 lakh.

The firm subsequently provided him with travel documents, and in November 2025, he departed from Bengaluru. His journey included transit stops in Hyderabad and Dubai before he reached Yerevan, as per his complaint. However, upon arrival, he was allegedly informed by another agent that no logistics job had been arranged for him.

According to a report in The Indian Express,  instead of the promised role, the victim was reportedly offered low-wage construction work. When he refused, he was allegedly told to find employment on his own.

Stranded in an unfamiliar country without support from the consultancy, he faced significant hardship and had to arrange his return to India at his own expense.

The victim claimed that repeated efforts to contact the consultancy for clarification or a refund went unanswered. With no assistance forthcoming, he eventually managed to return to India after incurring additional costs.

After returning, he lodged a complaint at the Vishwanathapura Police Station against Mamatha Shankar and her associate, Syed, accusing them of cheating.

Based on the complaint, police have registered a case under Sections 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) and 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. An investigation has been initiated to probe the allegations and trace those involved.

Officials noted that such cases underline the risks associated with unverified job consultancies. Authorities have urged job seekers to exercise caution, verify credentials, and avoid making large payments without proper documentation when pursuing overseas employment opportunities.