Kaithal (Haryana) | A major cyber fraud case has come to light in Kaithal district, where scammers cheated a man of ₹18.22 lakh by luring him with promises of high investment returns through a WhatsApp message. The victim was allegedly persuaded to invest in a fake company scheme, and the fraudsters later cut off contact when he tried to withdraw his money.
According to the complaint lodged by Poolndri resident Brij Bhushan, he received a message from an unknown WhatsApp number on January 12, 2026. The message offered an opportunity to earn high profits in a short period through an online investment plan. The fraudsters claimed that investment in their company would guarantee fixed and high returns.
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The victim said that after the conversation began on WhatsApp, he was sent a link and asked to click on it. Following this, the accused added him to a Telegram group where fake screenshots were continuously shared in the names of other members to show that several people had already earned huge profits. This made the victim believe that the scheme was legitimate.
To gain his trust, the scammers described the investment process as simple and asked him to deposit money by filling out an online form. Falling into the trap, the complainant invested a total of ₹18.22 lakh in multiple instalments. During the initial stage, the accused maintained communication and did not create any difficulty.
The victim stated that when he later tried to withdraw his money, he was told that there were technical issues. The fraudsters then demanded additional payments in the name of processing fees and taxes to release the funds. When he refused to make further payments, the scammers blocked his contact number and stopped all communication.
Feeling cheated, the victim approached the cybercrime police and filed a complaint. He also requested the protection of his bank account and UPI ID to prevent any further financial loss. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against unknown accused persons and started an investigation.
A cybercrime investigation officer said that the case is being examined from all angles. The bank accounts, mobile numbers, and digital transaction records of the suspects are being analyzed to trace the fraud network. Police said efforts are underway to identify the perpetrators using technical evidence.
Authorities have advised citizens not to trust investment offers sent by unknown individuals through WhatsApp, Telegram, or other social media platforms. People are warned to remain cautious of messages promising quick earnings through online task-based work, cryptocurrency investment, or high-profit schemes.
Cybersecurity experts said such fraud cases are rising rapidly as scammers exploit people’s desire for easy and fast money. People are advised to verify the authenticity of any investment scheme before participating and obtain information from official sources.
Police have urged people who suspect cyber fraud to immediately contact the national cyber helpline number 1930 and report the incident. Awareness and caution are considered the most effective ways to protect against online financial fraud.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
