COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON HOW JOBSEEKERS APPLYING ONLINE COULD VERIFY OFFERS GENUINENESS
Delhi High Court Flags Akasa Air Job Scam: How Job Seekers Can Verify Offers and Avoid Fraud
Trademark Infringement and Fake Recruitment Portals Exposed
Simple Steps for Job Seekers to Cross-Check Online Offers
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 25, 2026:
The Delhi High Court recently dealt with a disturbing case involving Akasa Air, where fraudsters misused the airline’s trademark to run a fake recruitment portal and dupe job seekers. The scam involved impersonation, false job postings, and collection of money from unsuspecting candidates under the guise of recruitment fees.
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This case highlights the growing menace of online job scams in India, where fraudsters exploit the desperation of job seekers, especially in competitive industries like aviation, IT, and banking. The Court’s intervention underscores the importance of protecting corporate trademarks and ensuring that job seekers are not misled by fraudulent portals.
But beyond the legal battle, the incident raises a pressing question: How can job seekers verify the authenticity of job offers online and avoid falling into traps?
The Akasa Air Case: A Snapshot
- Fraudsters created a fake recruitment portal using Akasa Air’s trademark and branding.
- They posted job openings and invited applications, charging candidates “processing fees.”
- Victims believed they were applying directly to Akasa Air, only to realize later that the offers were fake.
- Akasa Air approached the Delhi High Court, which ordered the fraudulent portal to be taken down and restrained further misuse of its trademark.
This case is not isolated. Similar scams have targeted major companies, including IT giants, banks, and airlines, exploiting brand names to lure job seekers.
Why Job Scams Are Rising
Several factors contribute to the rise of online job scams:
- High unemployment and competition: Desperate candidates are more likely to fall for too-good-to-be-true offers.
- Digital anonymity: Fraudsters can easily create fake websites and social media accounts.
- Lack of awareness: Many job seekers are unaware of verification methods.
- Weak enforcement: Legal action often comes after scams have already caused damage.
How Job Seekers Can Verify Job Offers Online
To protect themselves, job seekers must adopt a cautious and systematic approach. Here are practical steps:
1. Check Official Company Website
- Always verify job postings on the company’s official careers page.
- Genuine companies list openings on their own portals or trusted job boards.
2. Verify Email Domains
- Authentic job offers come from official company email domains (e.g., @akasaair.com).
- Be wary of generic domains like Gmail, Yahoo, or suspicious variations of company names.
3. Cross-Check Contact Details
- Call the company’s HR department using numbers listed on the official website.
- Avoid relying on phone numbers provided in suspicious job ads.
4. Look for Red Flags
- Requests for money (processing fees, training charges) are a clear sign of fraud.
- Unrealistic salaries or immediate joining offers should raise suspicion.
5. Use Trusted Job Portals
- Platforms like Naukri.com, LinkedIn, and Indeed have verification mechanisms.
- Avoid unknown websites with poor design or no company verification.
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6. Search Online Reviews
- Check forums, Glassdoor, or social media for complaints about fraudulent job offers.
- A quick Google search often reveals scam alerts.
7. Check Trademark and Branding
- Fraudsters often misuse logos and trademarks. Compare with the official company branding.
- If the logo or design looks distorted, it may be fake.
8. Report Suspicious Offers
- Victims should report scams to the company, cybercrime portals, and police.
- Early reporting helps prevent others from being duped.
Legal Protection Against Job Scams
The Akasa Air case shows how companies can use trademark law to protect their brand from misuse. Fraudulent portals that impersonate companies can be sued for:
- Trademark infringement
- Passing off
- Cheating and fraud under IPC
- Violation of IT Act provisions
Courts can order takedown of fake websites, restrain fraudsters, and award damages. However, prevention remains the best strategy for job seekers.
Broader Implications
The rise of job scams has wider social and economic implications:
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- Erosion of trust: Genuine companies struggle to rebuild trust after scams.
- Financial loss: Victims often lose significant amounts of money.
- Psychological impact: Job seekers face stress, embarrassment, and loss of confidence.
- Legal burden: Companies must spend resources on litigation to protect their brand.
Expert Opinions
- Cybersecurity Analysts: Stress the need for stronger digital verification systems.
- HR Professionals: Urge companies to educate candidates about official recruitment channels.
- Legal Experts: Highlight the importance of swift court action against fraudsters.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s intervention in the Akasa Air job scam case is a reminder of the growing threat of online recruitment fraud. While courts and companies can act against fraudsters, job seekers must remain vigilant. By verifying job offers through official channels, checking email domains, and avoiding payment requests, candidates can protect themselves from scams.
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