“Want to Be a Brand Influencer?” – It’s a TrapThe New Face of Online Job Fraud
- Kirandeb Bera
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
It starts with a flattering DM on Instagram or WhatsApp:
“Hey! We love your profile. We’re offering ₹10,000 for a brand collaboration shoot. Interested?”
Sounds exciting, right?
They look legit. They send brand logos. They ask for a small “registration fee.”
You send ₹999.
Then?
They vanish. You’re blocked. No job. No money.
How Instagram Job Scams Work
These scammers prey on dreams — especially of students and young creators. Their process is slick:
DM you posing as photographers, HRs, brand agencies
Praise your looks/talent/portfolio
Share fake references, logos, or previous “work”
Ask for booking fee, portfolio charge, or travel cost
Once payment is sent — they disappear
Real Case:
Dipti, 20, a college student in Kolkata, received an offer to model for a local clothing brand. They requested ₹3,000 as a shoot confirmation fee.
Once she paid, the number stopped responding. The Instagram profile was deleted.
She not only lost money but also trust in real opportunities.
Red Flags to Watch For
Profiles with no verified badge or website
Poor grammar and quick responses
Demands for upfront money
No official email — only WhatsApp/DM
No registered business name or address
How to Stay Safe
Never pay for a job or collab opportunity
Ask for proof — GST certificate, website, registered company name
Use LinkedIn, Upwork, Naukri, Internshala for real jobs
Always verify brand pages — check followers & comments
Share suspicious DMs with friends or mentors before replying
Conclusion
If they’re asking you to pay before you work — they’re not hiring you, they’re fooling you.These scams target your ambition and turn it into anxiety.
Be proud of your talent. But verify before you trust, especially when it comes through DMs.
“If They Ask for Money Before Work — It’s Not a Job, It’s a Scam!”
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