Victims of Job Scam Demand Refund from Mangaluru-Based Recruitment Firm

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 25, 2025: Several victims who were duped by a Mangaluru-based overseas recruitment firm, “The Legend,” have demanded a refund of the money they paid for promised jobs abroad that never materialized.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Leena Fernandes said she and 29 others paid the firm in 2021 for jobs for their children in Spain and Australia. “I paid ₹5 lakh and have only received ₹2 lakh back,” she said, adding that her statement is among those recorded by Mangaluru East police in a cheating case filed in 2023.

Another victim, Xavier Mathias, said he paid ₹5 lakh for a promised job for a relative in a finance firm in Australia, but has not received any refund. Gilbert Vaz said his daughter, who resigned from her lecturer post, paid ₹6 lakh in 2022 and has recovered only ₹1 lakh.

Laveena Aranha paid ₹1.3 lakh for a job in Qatar for her son, while Anita Fernandes said she paid ₹5 lakh in 2021 for a job in the Netherlands for her daughter—both have not received any money back.

Brandon Pinto, who paid ₹1.3 lakh for a job in the aviation sector, stressed the lack of awareness among the public regarding the need to verify overseas recruitment firms with the Ministry of External Affairs. He also highlighted the unfamiliarity with the role of the Protector of Emigrants.

Police confirmed that a cheating case against “The Legend” was registered in 2023. The firm’s proprietor, Alwyn D’Mello, has been arrested and several items were seized. The investigation is ongoing.