Kapurthala: Cases of fraud in the name of sending people abroad continue to surface in Punjab. In Kapurthala district, police have registered two separate cases against four agents accused of cheating two families of a total ₹40 lakh by promising to send them to Canada and the United States. The name of Satnam Singh has emerged in both cases. The agents allegedly collected ₹20 lakh from each family by promising overseas travel and visa arrangements, but neither completed the process nor returned the money despite repeated demands.
The first case was registered on the complaint of Chain Singh, a resident of village Madho Jhanda. According to the complaint, Shaily and her husband Satnam Singh, residents of Budhiana in Jalandhar, promised to arrange a family visa for Canada and facilitate the family’s travel abroad. Trusting their assurance, the family allegedly paid them ₹20 lakh. However, the overseas travel process was reportedly not completed even after a considerable period. When the family demanded its money back, the accused allegedly continued to delay the matter. Following the complaint, police registered a fraud case against Shaily and Satnam Singh.
The second case was registered on the complaint of Rupinder Kaur, a resident of village Kadal Kalan. According to her complaint, an agent from Pathankot, Satnam Singh alias Shama of Budhiana and Gurtej Singh Bhullar of Sangrur promised to send her to the United States or Canada. The accused allegedly collected ₹20 lakh for the arrangement. The complaint states that the promised overseas travel did not materialise even after the stipulated period had passed. When the complainant demanded a refund, the accused allegedly avoided returning the money and continued to delay the matter.
In both cases, the complainants have provided police with details of the transactions and assurances allegedly given by the agents. Investigators are now examining how the money was transferred or paid and whether any genuine visa or overseas employment process was initiated by the accused. Police are also checking whether the accused may have collected money from other people using similar promises.
According to police, fraud cases have been registered in both matters and the allegations are being verified during the investigation. Investigators are expected to examine bank accounts, transaction records and documents related to the promised overseas travel. The accused may also be questioned to determine the circumstances in which the money was collected and whether any part of the promised process was actually initiated. Further legal action will depend on the evidence and facts established during the investigation.
Kapurthala district has witnessed several similar cases involving promises of overseas travel. In January 2026, a case was registered over an alleged ₹80,000 fraud committed on the pretext of sending a person to Dubai. In August 2026, another case involved an allegation that ₹24 lakh had been taken on the promise of sending a person to Canada. In August 2025, four people were booked for allegedly cheating two families of ₹37.63 lakh by promising to send them to England.
Amid the repeated cases, police have advised people to thoroughly verify the credentials and registration status of overseas agents before handing over money. Visa documents, employment offers, travel arrangements and other paperwork should be independently verified through official channels. Police have cautioned that paying large sums solely on the basis of verbal assurances or documents shown by an agent can expose families to significant financial risk.
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.
