SCAM Alert

[u/Commercial-Lack-3810]

Hi Myself M(26) from Pune, Maharashtra.
I am actively looking for a data analyst job, and for that I'm continuously applying through Naukri, Foundit, Indeed and LinkedIn. Today I got a call in which a woman said she was calling from AAI(AIRPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA) and there are several openings for IT and non-IT profiles. As I spoke further, she said they have many openings for Data Analysts throughout India. At first, I thought it was a legit call, but when I asked Where did you get my profile, as I didn't remember applying for AAI, she said through an online portal. As I got a little curious and asked one more time, like, "Can you tell me the exact platform?" she fumbled. At this point, I knew something was fishy. She said we're offering you around 40- 45 K in-hand salary, and for that, you have to give an online interview. The first round will be telephonic, the second online interview and if needed, you have to come for a face-to-face interview. I said yes to that. Then she said that, as your profile is not registered and is non-referral, you have to pay Rs 1200, which is refundable if you fail the interview.
At this point, I was convinced that this is a SCAM. So I said that this seems like a scam and you're looting money from people which is desperately looking for a job. She said, " No, sir, you can check the AAI website and all." As I told her, after checking there so such job openings on the official portal, and I started confronting her. I told her this way is not gonna work; she cut the call.
I want to tell you pls be aware of such fraud calls and fake job offers; there are plenty of them in the market. I already worked with 2 companies in the past, so I know nobody asks for money or fees that are refundable if you didn't get selected for a job when they're calling you from a company. People like me who are desperately looking for a job are their main target, as we don't think that much when we get a call for a job due to excitement.
So be aware.