Mangaluru: Student organisations ABVP and NSUI have issued a strong warning to college students in the city after more than 100 students were allegedly duped by a private firm accused of running a chain marketing and pyramid-style scheme under the guise of job opportunities.

At a joint press conference held on Thursday, representatives of the student groups, along with affected students, said the company — operating from a commercial complex in Kudroli — specifically targeted college-goers with offers of part-time jobs and business prospects.

Muliya Satwik of the All College Students’ Association, affiliated to ABVP, alleged that the firm promised students an opportunity to earn while continuing their studies. However, after initial contact, students were allegedly persuaded to pay money for training programmes and to purchase products as part of the scheme.

“More than 100 students have reportedly fallen victim. We will pursue legal action against such chain marketing and pyramid scheme operators functioning in Mangaluru,” he said.

Christon Menezes, president of the NSUI Mangaluru unit, said the issue would be raised with the state government to ensure strict action and to prevent similar exploitation in the future. He pointed out that internships are compulsory in many academic programmes, making students more likely to trust what appear to be legitimate employment offers.

“This vulnerability is being misused. Strong action must be taken against those responsible,” he said.

One of the affected students recounted that she responded to a social media advertisement offering a digital marketing position. She was asked to attend a three-day residential training programme after paying ₹2,500. Upon completing the training, she was allegedly instructed to purchase products such as electronics, cosmetics and sarees worth ₹51,000, sell them, and recruit three more participants into the training programme.

The student said she borrowed the money from her mother under the pretext of buying a laptop. “When I realised it was a scam, I demanded a refund. After repeated follow-ups and facing harassment, including approaching the CEN Crime Police Station, I finally managed to recover the amount,” she said.

The matter has been brought to the notice of the Mangaluru East Police for further action.