Cyber fraudsters struck at three residents in separate incidents in Haryana’s Faridabad, siphoning off a staggering ₹1,59,40,131, police said on Wednesday. The biggest blow came in a high-value commercial transaction where an industrialist was allegedly cheated of over ₹1.58 crore in a bogus credit supply deal.
According to complaints lodged with the cyber police station, Sector-8 resident Rajesh Aggarwal, who runs a factory in the Northern Complex on Mathura Road, alleged that a trader identified as Sanjay Kohli approached him posing as a genuine businessman. Kohli, who reportedly operated a shop under the name “City Centre” at Panchkula Hills Mall in Sector-5, built business trust over time and procured large quantities of pig iron on credit.
Aggarwal told police that Kohli assured periodic payments and continued lifting material. The total outstanding amount for the supplied pig iron stands at ₹1,58,34,391. However, after taking delivery of the goods, the accused allegedly defaulted on payments, shut his shop and went absconding.
Police sources said preliminary findings indicate that the accused may have deliberately used forged credentials and business references to win the complainant’s confidence before executing the fraud.
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Investment Scam Claims Another Victim
In a separate complaint, Mayank Verma, a resident of Brahman Wada, alleged that he was lured into an online investment scheme promising high returns. Fraudsters convinced him to transfer ₹90,749 under the pretext of generating quick profits through digital trading platforms.
After the money was transferred, the suspects reportedly cut off communication and the promised returns never materialised.
Investigators believe the fraudsters may have used fake trading dashboards and manipulated screenshots to gain the victim’s trust.
OLX Fraud Adds to Tally
In yet another case, Keshav, a resident of Subhash Colony, reported that he was duped of ₹35,000 in an online marketplace fraud. The accused allegedly contacted him on OLX posing as a genuine buyer and convinced him to transfer money under false pretences during the transaction process.
Police said such scams often involve QR code manipulation or fake payment confirmation messages designed to mislead victims into believing that funds have been credited.
FIRs Registered, Probe Underway
The cyber police station in Faridabad has registered cases under relevant provisions of cybercrime and cheating laws against unidentified accused in all three matters. Efforts are underway to trace bank accounts, IP addresses and digital footprints linked to the transactions.
Officials said financial trails are being analysed to determine whether the accused are part of larger interstate or organised cybercrime networks.
The incidents have once again highlighted the growing threat of cyber and commercial fraud in industrial hubs like Faridabad, where both businesses and individuals are increasingly becoming targets.
Police have urged citizens to verify business credentials before entering into high-value credit transactions and to remain cautious while investing online or dealing through digital marketplaces.
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.
