Two separate cases of financial fraud have come to light in Prayagraj, exposing how cybercriminals and organised investment rackets are exploiting trust and digital platforms to cheat unsuspecting victims. While one case involves a fake hotel website used to dupe pilgrims, another centres on a ₹15 lakh investment scam in which a couple was lured with promises of assured monthly profits.
Fake hotel website targets pilgrims
In the first case, fraudsters created a cloned website of a hotel located in the Daraganj area, using it to take online bookings and payments from pilgrims visiting the city. The matter came to light after customers who had made online bookings arrived at the hotel, only to discover that no such reservations existed.
The hotel owner, a resident of Mori in Daraganj, lodged an FIR at Daraganj police station against unidentified persons. He alleged that the fraudsters had been collecting online payments in the name of his hotel, misleading devotees and tourists while damaging the hotel’s reputation.
According to the complaint, the hotelier had earlier approached the cyber helpline after discovering the fake website, but despite the complaint, the gang remained active. Customers continued to fall prey to the fraudulent portal, transferring money under the impression that they were booking genuine accommodation.
Police officials said the investigation is currently focused on tracking the URL and digital trail of the fake website to identify those behind the scam. Cyber experts are examining domain registration details, payment gateways used, and linked bank accounts to trace the culprits.
Officials warned pilgrims and travellers to exercise caution while booking hotels online, advising them to verify official websites, cross-check contact details, and avoid making payments through suspicious links, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
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Couple cheated of ₹15 lakh in investment scam
In a separate incident, a couple from the Muthiganj area was allegedly cheated of ₹15 lakh after being promised a fixed monthly return of ₹62,500 through an agriculture-based investment scheme. Acting on the orders of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM), Muthiganj police have registered an FIR against eight named accused and initiated an investigation.
According to the complaint filed by Radhika Kesarwani, her brother-in-law Prem Gupta, who resides in West Thane, Maharashtra, persuaded family members to invest in an agriculture development company. Gupta claimed he had already invested money in the firm and was earning regular profits.
Trusting his assurances, Radhika and her husband Vivek Kesarwani agreed to invest. On May 20, 2022, several individuals—including Prashant Jade of Mumbai, Sandesh Ganpat Kamkar of Nashik, Sai Nath Sambaji Rao Hadole from Andhra Pradesh, and others from Nagpur—allegedly visited Prayagraj and convinced the couple to invest ₹15 lakh.
The accused reportedly provided forged agreement papers, promising a fixed monthly return and portraying the scheme as safe and lucrative. However, months passed without any payout. When the couple demanded their money back, they were allegedly threatened, prompting them to approach the police.
The complainant alleged that despite repeated attempts to seek police intervention, no FIR was registered initially. The case was finally lodged following judicial intervention, underscoring concerns about delays in addressing financial fraud complaints.
Confirming the development, the Muthiganj station in-charge said an FIR has been registered on court orders and that a detailed probe is underway to examine financial transactions, agreements, and the role of each accused.
Rising pattern of fraud
Both cases highlight a growing pattern of cyber-enabled and trust-based fraud, where criminals exploit digital platforms, personal relationships, and promises of guaranteed returns. Police officials say such scams often involve inter-state networks, making investigations complex and time-consuming.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid schemes offering fixed or unusually high returns, and verify the authenticity of websites and investment proposals before transferring money. Police have also reiterated the importance of promptly reporting suspected fraud to cybercrime units to limit losses and improve chances of recovery.
Investigations in both cases are ongoing, and officials said further action, including arrests, will follow based on digital and financial evidence collected during the probe.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
