| Address: 11th Floor, Park Centra, Sector-30, Gurgaon, Haryana, India - 122001 |
Dear Consumer court team,
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the fraudulent practices I experienced with Shine.com, which led to financial and emotional distress. Below is a detailed account of the incident:
A few weeks after uploading my resume on Shine.com for job opportunities, I received a call from Shine.com. The caller offered career guidance, asked about my job preferences and expected salary, and assured me of comprehensive services. These services included profile modifications, interview scheduling, recruiter communication (both in India and abroad), and overall assistance in securing job offers.
First Payment
The representative emphasized that a payment of ₹3, 047 was a minimal amount ("just peanuts compared to your expected salary") and assured me it was the only payment required. Under significant pressure and urgency to act quickly (e.g., "the payment link will expire, delaying the process"), I reluctantly paid the amount.
Later that evening, I received a call from a "customer relationship manager" named Rohit, who introduced himself as part of the Shine.com expert team. After a brief discussion, he claimed another payment of ₹5, 192 was required to activate my "proforma." I objected, citing the earlier assurance of a single payment. Rohit insisted this was the "final payment" and used manipulative tactics, such as:
Reiterating the minimal amount compared to my future earnings.
Stating Shine.com’s reputation as a Hindustan Times venture.
Claiming that questioning the process was unnecessary since “thousands of candidates have benefited.”
I reluctantly made the second payment of ₹5, 192.
Second Payment
After this, I was informed about an additional payment of ₹9, 556 for employment verification, which was described as "mandatory for securing jobs abroad." Rohit again assured me it was the last payment and repeated the same persuasive tactics. Believing I had no other choice and fearing I would lose the money already paid, I made the payment.
Final Request for Refund
After these payments, Rohit requested further amounts, including ₹16, 500 for cover letter preparation and presentation. At this point, I refused and demanded a refund. Rohit denied the refund, citing Shine.com’s non-refundable policy, and tried to pressure me again by downplaying my concerns, stating:
"You’re behaving like a child."
"₹16, 500 is nothing compared to a ₹1.5 crore salary abroad."
"The payments are legal, and the government can’t take action as we operate ethically."
When I threatened legal action, Rohit dismissed it, saying, "Do whatever you want. Payments are OTP-based and ethical."
Fraudulent Practices
Misleading promises: Repeated assurances of "final payments" were false.
High-pressure tactics: Creating urgency to manipulate decisions.
Lack of transparency: Hidden charges introduced step-by-step.
Exploitation of trust: Misuse of Hindustan Times branding to appear credible.
No refund policy: Denying refunds despite clear evidence of misrepresentation.
Financial Loss
I have suffered a financial loss of ₹17, 795 (₹3, 047 + ₹5, 192 + ₹9, 556), along with ₹147.76 in credit card charges.
Request for Resolution
I kindly request immediate action against Shine.com and:
A full refund of ₹17, 795 plus charges incurred.
Investigation into Shine.com’s fraudulent practices.
Awareness campaigns to protect other candidates from falling prey to such schemes.
Shine.com has caused immense stress and financial loss by exploiting my aspirations for career growth. I trust that the relevant authorities will take strict action to prevent such unethical practices from continuing.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am available to provide further details or evidence if required
I have also attached the invoices i received from the shine.com I received and the screenshot of the payments from my credit card
Sincerely,
Ajay Thakur
contact- [protected]
fraud happened on date - 21-Dec-2024
Was this information helpful?
Post your Comment