Social Media Recruitment Scams in Kerala: Influencers and the Rise of Quotation Gang-Backed Fraud

KOCHI May 5: Kerala’s booming social media scene has taken a troubling turn as influencers with modest followings are increasingly being used as fronts for scams. Under the guise of job consultants or placement agents, these individuals lure followers with false promises of employment, collect hefty fees, and disappear—delivering nothing in return.

Recent reports suggest that many of these influencers are not acting alone. Behind them stand organized “quotation gangs,” notorious for offering muscle power and intimidation tactics. These gangs step in when victims attempt to demand refunds or expose the fraud, ensuring silence through threats or harassment.

The tactics used by fraudsters are becoming more calculated and coercive. In a disturbing trend, victims are being drawn into illegal activities early in the process—such as transporting unaccounted cash or submitting forged documents for visa applications. By implicating job seekers in criminal acts, scammers create leverage to prevent them from reporting the fraud. If victims resist or speak out, they are met with threats of legal action or, in more serious cases, physical intimidation by gang members.

This evolving nexus between social media influence and organized crime represents a new challenge for law enforcement, as cyber fraud and offline intimidation merge in Kerala’s underground recruitment racket.

Karthika Pradeep: The Face of a Widening Job Scam

Karthika Pradeep, the main accused in a major international job scam, is believed to have ties to known quotation gangs. According to Kerala police, she had connections with individuals implicated under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAPPA) and allegedly used them to threaten clients who demanded refunds after being duped.

Karthika, who operated the ‘Take Off Overseas Educational Consultancy’ near Pullepady in Kochi, was arrested by Ernakulam Central Police following multiple complaints. One such complaint was filed by a woman from Thrissur, who was promised a social worker job in the UK in exchange for Rs 5.23 lakh. The money was transferred in instalments via bank and UPI payments, but no job materialised.

A Lavish Facade and Dubious Claims

Despite having over 13,000 followers on Instagram, where she frequently posted new photos, Karthika’s academic credentials are under scrutiny. She claimed to hold an MBBS degree from Ukraine, but sources suggest she never obtained the necessary qualifications to practice medicine in India. Some unverified reports suggest she may have worked in hospitals abroad, but this remains unclear.

Originally from Pathanamthitta, Karthika was living in Thrissur and reportedly defrauded over 100 people, mostly women, with false promises of overseas jobs in countries like the UK, Germany, Australia, and Ukraine. Victims paid between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 8 lakh each.

The agency extensively advertised through social media and large hoardings, offering roles ranging from supermarket staff to social workers abroad. Police suspect the proceeds funded Karthika’s extravagant lifestyle, and her bank accounts are now under investigation.

Explosive Audio and Expanding Probe

A now-viral audio clip has intensified public outrage. In the recording, Karthika is heard saying: “Deceiving others is the only way I know to live—that’s my talent. It’s not my fault if people like you are willing to be fooled.” Click to Hear Audio

This chilling statement has reinforced suspicions of her deliberate and systematic approach to fraud.

Following the initial complaint, more victims from Thrissur and Kozhikode came forward. She was eventually arrested from Kozhikode after going into hiding. Police confirmed that additional cases are registered against her in Kozhikode, Vadakara, and Pathanamthitta, and complaints have been lodged across multiple districts, including Thiruvananthapuram.

The consultancy was reportedly operating without a valid license. Initial estimates suggest Karthika may have collected at least Rs 30 lakh from job seekers in Kochi alone. The investigation remains ongoing.