A study on internship scam victims among college students in Chennai

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of digital platforms and social media has increased college students' exposure to internship scams, a form of cyber-enabled employment fraud involving financial loss, data theft, or unpaid labour. This study examines the prevalence and impact of internship scam victimization among college students in Chennai. Using a descriptive research design, primary data were collected from 130 students through a structured Google Forms questionnaire. Findings revealed a victimization rate of 87.7%, with 82.3% encountering suspicious offers and 66.9% experiencing financial loss. Social media emerged as the primary source of internship opportunities (80.0%) and the main channel for fraud. Easy selection processes (61.5%) and high stipend offer (50.8%) were identified as major attractions used by scammers. The study also found significant psychological and academic consequences, including stress, anxiety, reduced trust in future opportunities, and academic disruption highlighting the need for stronger institutional support, safer internship practices, and improved student awareness to reduce internship scam victimization.

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