Fraud Job consultancy – Testing my negotiation skills

Disclaimer – This blog is no attempt to defame ethically sound HR Consultancies and the HR executives following the same system. This one is specifically for those who fraudulently try to mug innocent job seekers with limited awareness. My experience with Fregatidae Services Pvt. Ltd. at their Preet Vihar branch in New Delhi has compelled me to come forward and share it with all of you.

Modus Operandi

I have been followed aggressively on phone calls and SMSs by the HR named Kirti. Kirti only said that her consultancy found my profile suitable for management consultant role and would like to take the process further at their office. My attempt to get more information about the companies on email failed despite several attempts. This HR seemed helpful until I found their office which deserves another paragraph.

There was no mention of the consultancy company name in my SMS, hence I was coordinating with the HR after reaching the complex. She guided me referring to the other company boards displayed on the building. I entered my details in a normal register handed over my resume to the person at the reception and was asked to wait.

Red Flags

• Neither the main entrance of the office nor the reception had any mention of the Consultancy name.
• I noticed the team of HRs were dressed in formals and were getting forms filled from other interviewees.
• I was asked to put my phone on silent mode so I did that but retained my focus on the surroundings.
• I saw a dude coming out of the Interview room and he specifically looked at me and said something while exiting (which I understood later).
• I entered the HR Shalu’s cabin. There was a company name board in this room behind the HR but it was partially covered by the curtain.
• Till now, there was no mention of any money either in the SMS or calls. She looked at my resume and started interviewing me. The interview went well. (To be continued after Thank You Note)

Thank You Note – For the “Dude in white sneakers”

When I was waiting for Round 1, I noticed a dude coming out of HR Shalu’s room. He gave me expressions which meant that I should step out of the office immediately. I thought perhaps his interview didn’t go well so I chose to ignore him. But I saw him again and he again tried to warn me, this time, I was sure he wanted to say something though.

Round 1 cleared, Round 2 scheduled with another HR on phone

The money came into picture, only when HR Shalu was convinced about my skills after conducting first round. She explained me the process and asked for INR 3500/- which she said will be refunded in case I fail to clear the Round 2 (Telephonic with other HR). I asked her why this money was necessary, and she said they will be creating a login code for me on some system to track my interview status with companies. As the amount was a lot, I asked for some documentation and she immediately showed me the receipt book. She made one for me in advance to keep my faith and asked me to sign it only after round 2 is complete.

Red Flags – Continued

• Obviously, nobody carries such an amount in their wallets during the interview. So, I was asked to withdraw it from a nearby ATM.
• If you are given a person to accompany you till ATM, beware as something is fishy. I asked the guy for directions but he insisted on accompanying me downstairs.
• Next, I saw the “Dude in white sneakers” again downstairs and I understood, why I was being accompanied so that I don’t end up speaking to him. This time, he signalled me clear enough not to withdraw money.
• I withdrew money and to my surprise, the guy who accompanied me asked me to go upstairs with one of their HRs but using some other entrance. I followed her but asked her why we avoided the exit which we took for the ATM.
• HR made a lame excuse and I knew again something is wrong. But keeping trust in HR Shalu, I handed over the money and got on a call with Round 2 HR on phone. (NOTE: Do not sign any document unless you have read it)
• Now, I was asked to pay INR 9000/- which was security money to make sure I don’t quit the company before 6 months. I was also shown an agreement from a distance to be signed for this transaction. (I still haven’t been told or given a written confirmation about the companies)
• They said the last round would be conducted in the MNC with the company HR and my profile will also be forwarded to other HRs working with MNCs.

Enter “Negotiation Skills”

• I was dying to now notice the face of HR as I said “NO” to go ahead with the process. She became aggressive immediately. (From offering me a cup of tea to being aggressive)
• She started telling me that the other HR’s time and her time is worth INR 3500/- and it is a part of the consulting process. She won’t refund the money as I cleared the Round 2. Trust me, it would have felt better facing the rejection.
• As I never signed the receipt, I asked her to show my consent for the process and that is where she called her senior.
• I took the liberty to call a friend, told her about my location and the fraud and asked her to wait for my callback in case the issue aggravates.
• Moment of empowerment made me sit there and face what was next. Ironically, my confidence and perseverance led to me receiving my INR 3500/- back (HR Shalu threw my hard earned money on the table and I was sure such work ethic won’t take them anywhere). I then signed the receipt mentioning “CANCELLED”.

No Matter, where you go for interviews, always make sure to keep one person notified about your location. In my case, it was a text from my friend who checked Justdial reviews for the company and pinged me immediately. There is no harm in taking a stand for the right cause. This incident reintroduced me to one of my strongest personality traits – Fearlessness.

If you came across such an incidence, leave a comment and do let me know how you tackled the situation. This shall help other readers who have gone through similar experiences.