Man Arrested for Duping MNC Engineer of ₹2 Lakh with Promise of Fake Degree: A Stark Warning About Academic Fraud

The case serves as a harsh reminder of how deeply embedded such rackets have become, and how professionals—even those employed in top-tier companies—can be vulnerable to schemes that offer shortcuts to career advancement. With fake degrees being used to secure jobs, promotions, and even overseas opportunities, the need for strict verification systems and legal enforcement has never been more urgent.

The Scam: A Promised Shortcut to Career Growth

The victim in this case, an engineer working with a multinational IT firm, was allegedly approached by the accused who claimed to have “contacts” within several Indian universities and educational boards. Promising a legitimate-looking engineering degree from a well-known university, the accused offered to “fast-track” the process and assured the victim that the document would pass all background checks.

The victim, who was reportedly looking to upgrade his academic qualifications in order to qualify for an internal promotion and to strengthen his application for a planned overseas role, was convinced by the fraudster’s claims. Desperate for a faster and seemingly risk-free way to acquire the required credential, he agreed to pay ₹2 lakh in multiple installments.

However, after several weeks of delay and excuses, the fraudster delivered a forged degree certificate that, upon inspection, turned out to be fake. It had errors in the university name, mismatched fonts, and lacked the proper watermarking and holograms typically present on genuine certificates. When the victim confronted the accused and demanded a refund, the latter became untraceable—switching off his phone and disappearing from his known address.

Realizing he had been conned, the engineer lodged a formal complaint with the police, who quickly launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the accused.

The Arrest and Investigation

Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police used digital surveillance and mobile tower tracking to locate the accused, who had been operating under multiple aliases. Upon arrest, the police seized forged degree templates, printing materials, stamps, and a laptop containing hundreds of templates of certificates from various reputed universities.

During preliminary interrogation, the accused admitted to having duped multiple individuals using similar tactics. He targeted working professionals who lacked certain academic qualifications but were eager to boost their career profiles. In some cases, he even offered fake post-graduate degrees and experience letters to candidates looking to migrate to foreign countries.

The police suspect that the accused is part of a larger network that has been involved in forging degrees and selling them across the country. Further investigations are underway to identify other victims and potential collaborators.

How These Scams Work: A Sophisticated Operation

Unlike petty forgeries of the past, modern-day fake degree scams are highly organized operations. Fraudsters often present themselves as education consultants, placement agents, or admission facilitators. They promise degrees from recognized universities, complete with official-looking seals, barcodes, and signatures.

The racket may involve multiple people—one handling client acquisition, another handling document production, and others dealing with customer communication and follow-ups. Some even go as far as creating fake websites or verification portals to fool employers during background checks.

These scams typically exploit the gaps in India’s academic verification systems. Many universities still operate using paper-based records, and there is no centralized system where all credentials can be cross-verified quickly and efficiently.

The Victim’s Side: Desperation and Disillusionment

The victim in this case, like many others, was not attempting to deceive an employer but was lured by the idea of bypassing long years of academic study through what he thought was a legitimate channel. His desperation to meet the qualifications for career progression made him susceptible to manipulation.

Unfortunately, he now finds himself not only financially defrauded but also emotionally and professionally shaken. His credibility within his organization is at risk, and any further inquiries may lead to complications with his employment or immigration processes.

The incident has also taken a toll on his mental well-being. According to sources, he has warned others not to fall for such schemes, and he hopes that his case will serve as a cautionary tale to others in similar situations.

The Legal Consequences

The arrested individual faces multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code, including:

• Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property

• Section 468 – Forgery for the purpose of cheating

• Section 471 – Using forged document as genuine

• Section 120B – Criminal conspiracy

If convicted, the accused could face several years of imprisonment, along with hefty fines. Authorities have also initiated proceedings to track down the larger network he was possibly working with.

The Broader Issue: A Systemic Problem

This case is just one of many that highlight a systemic problem in India’s educational and employment ecosystem. With rising competition in the job market and increasingly stringent qualification requirements, many individuals feel pressured to seek shortcuts. This pressure, combined with a lack of centralized degree verification infrastructure, creates fertile ground for fraudsters to thrive.

Moreover, some companies and institutions continue to rely on outdated verification methods. This not only allows forged documents to go undetected but also reduces the deterrent effect for those considering using fake credentials.

Preventive Measures: What Needs to Be Done

To prevent such scams in the future, a multi-layered approach must be adopted:

1. National Academic Repository – A centralized digital database of all degrees and certificates that employers and institutions can access for quick verification.

2. Stricter Regulation of Education Agents – Licensing and monitoring of consultants and agencies that offer academic or admission-related services.

3. Stronger Penalties – Increased legal consequences for individuals found guilty of creating, selling, or using fake degrees.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating professionals and students about the risks associated with buying fake degrees and how to identify fraudulent operators.

5. Employer Due Diligence – Companies should invest in robust background check systems and partner with credential verification firms to safeguard their hiring process.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for the Digital Age

The arrest of a man for duping an MNC engineer of ₹2 lakh with a fake degree promise is not just a crime story—it’s a mirror to the vulnerabilities within our academic and professional systems. As long as shortcuts to success are marketed and consumed, fraudsters will find a way to exploit those dreams.

This incident must serve as a wake-up call, not just for professionals and students, but also for policymakers, educators, and employers. In a world that values qualifications, the integrity of those qualifications must be protected at all costs. The battle against fake degrees is not just a legal fight—it is a moral and systemic one that demands urgent, collective action.