Ahmedabad man duped of ₹12 lakh in fake US work-permit scam

A 44-year-old hotel supervisor from Ambawadi has filed a police complaint alleging that he was cheated of more than ₹12 lakh by individuals posing as agents who promised to secure him a work permit for employment in the United States. Ellisbridge police have registered a case of cheating and initiated an investigation.

Ambawadi resident Hasmukhbhai Mithabhai Muchhdiya complained that he had been preparing to apply for a US work permit. While browsing Instagram earlier this year, he came across an advertisement for 'Access Consultant USA', which claimed to assist applicants seeking jobs abroad.

Hasmukhbhai told police that after he clicked on the advertisement, the agency contacted him and scheduled an online interview for a job at a fruit processing company in the US. Later, he received an offer letter via email, which he signed and returned.

Between June 5, 2025 and October 8, 2025, he allegedly transferred a total of ₹12.07 lakh through Google Pay and bank transfers to multiple accounts linked to individuals identified in the transaction trail.

Police said the complainant also used the mobile number of his friend, Rahul Kanojia, to transfer additional amounts to one of the accused. The money was allegedly “converted into dollars and sent to Fruit Havana", a company the complainant believed was facilitating the visa process.

Hasmukhbhai alleged that the agents repeatedly assured him that his work permit and further documentation were being processed. However, months passed without progress, prompting him to demand a refund. He was told he would receive his money back after deducting certain charges, but no refund materialised.

He later learnt that $12,290 (approx. ₹10.8 lakh) had been sent through the Bank of America to an intermediary named Aryan Prakash Singh, who was allegedly responsible for routing the payments. When the complainant contacted Aryan through WhatsApp, he allegedly evaded all questions and refused to return the money.

Hasmukhbhai submitted screenshots of his WhatsApp chat with Aryan, conducted from his phone, to support his complaint. The FIR names Aryan Prakash Singh and other unidentified persons allegedly involved in the transaction chain.

Police said efforts are under way to trace the accused individuals, verify the bank accounts used, and determine whether a larger interstate racket is involved.