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A constable posted in Azamgarh has fallen victim to a cyber fraud in which he was cheated of nearly ₹5 lakh after being lured through an online investment link. The victim has lodged an FIR at Rasra police station, following which police have initiated an investigation with the assistance of the cyber cell.
The victim has been identified as Antlesh Kumar, a constable currently posted in Azamgarh district and a native of Pachhua village in the Rasra area of Ballia. According to the complaint, in August 2025 he received a link on his mobile phone claiming to offer investment opportunities through an e-commerce platform with promises of high returns in a short period.
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Lured by investment promise
In his statement, the constable said that after clicking on the link, he was asked to register on an online platform. Initially, he was encouraged to invest a small amount and was shown returns on the platform dashboard. Seeing the apparent profits, his confidence in the platform grew.
Subsequently, he was persuaded to invest larger sums in phases. Over time, the constable transferred a total amount of ₹5,43,836 in multiple instalments. The platform continued to display profits in his account, leading him to believe that his investment was secure and that the amount could be withdrawn as promised.
Fraud exposed after withdrawal request
The fraud came to light in January 2026 when the constable attempted to withdraw the invested amount. He alleged that the platform operators began delaying responses and avoided giving any clear explanation. Shortly thereafter, his online account was completely deleted and all modes of communication—calls, messages and online chats—were blocked.
It was only then that the victim realised he had been cheated. He immediately approached Rasra police station, submitted a written complaint and sought legal action. Based on his complaint, police registered a case of cyber fraud and initiated a probe.
Police investigation underway
Officials at Rasra police station said a case has been registered and preliminary investigation suggests that the fraud was carried out through a fake investment platform that targeted victims using social media and messaging applications. The cyber cell has been roped in to assist with technical analysis.
Police said bank transactions, mobile numbers, UPI IDs and digital links used in the scam are being examined. Efforts are underway to trace the accused through transaction trails and server data linked to the fraudulent platform.
What research indicates
Cybercrime experts say such cases are becoming increasingly common across the country. According to studies by the Future Crime Research Foundation, investment and e-commerce scams now account for a significant share of reported cyber fraud cases in India.
The foundation’s research indicates that fraudsters typically gain victims’ trust by showing initial returns before inducing them to invest larger sums. Once a substantial amount is deposited, the platform is shut down or the victim’s account is deleted, leaving little immediate trace of the operators.
Expert view
Former IPS officer and renowned cybercrime expert Triveni Singh said such scams are increasingly targeting educated individuals and government employees. “The promise of quick and guaranteed returns makes even cautious people drop their guard. Fraudsters design professional-looking websites and mobile interfaces to appear legitimate,” he said.
He advised that before investing in any online scheme, individuals must verify the company’s registration, regulatory approvals and physical presence. “Any investment opportunity that promises unusually high returns in a short time should be treated as suspicious,” Singh added.
Police advisory
Police have appealed to citizens to remain alert and avoid clicking on unknown links received through calls, messages or social media. People have been advised not to invest money in online platforms without proper verification and regulatory checks.
Officials also urged victims of cyber fraud to immediately report incidents to the nearest police station or cyber helpline. Timely reporting, police said, improves the chances of tracing fraudsters and recovering funds.
As cyber fraud cases continue to rise, police have reiterated that public awareness and caution remain the most effective tools to prevent such financial crimes.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
