At least seven companies in India have been raided and more than 25 people arrested following reports that jobseekers were buying fake employment certificates, reports the New Indian Express. 

As many as 25,000 jobseekers are believed to have secured jobs using the fake certificates, with as many as 50 companies involved in the scheme.

Following a report, an undercover police officer approached one of the companies where he was able to buy a fake employment certificate and an ID card.   

To buy an employment certificate from a non-existent company would cost INR 15,000 (USD 243), while one from an existing company cost INR 30,000 (USD 486). Jobseekers are able to use the fake certificates to show prospective employers proof of employment. The companies also set up a call centre to answer reference calls from prospective employers. 

Hemant Nimbalkar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), commented: “These companies were registered with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) but did nothing apart from providing fake certificates.”

He also warned that people who had used fake employment certificates to secure a new job will likely be charged.