Ghaziabad: As online business opportunities and digital application platforms continue to grow, cyber fraud cases are surfacing with increasing sophistication. The latest incident from Ghaziabad’s Ankur Vihar area highlights how fraudsters are exploiting aspirations of entrepreneurship. A young man was allegedly cheated of ₹23.53 lakh after being lured with the promise of a distributorship of a reputed company, only to later realise he had fallen prey to a well-planned cyber scam.
The fraudsters introduced themselves as authorised representatives of a well-known company and carried out conversations in a highly professional manner. Their convincing communication ensured that the victim remained unaware of any foul play for several weeks.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
According to the complaint, Ankur Vihar resident Jitendra Tiwari had applied online for a distributorship through a website claiming affiliation with a reputed brand. Shortly after submitting his application, he was contacted by individuals who claimed to be company officials. They used an email ID that closely resembled the company’s official domain, giving the entire interaction an appearance of authenticity.
During conversations, the callers discussed business contracts, demand potential, supply chains and projected profit margins. Detailed explanations and formal communication convinced the applicant that he was undergoing a legitimate business onboarding process.
The fraud began with a request for a processing fee. This was followed by successive demands for handling charges, registration fees and security deposits. Between November 18 and December 15, the victim transferred money in multiple instalments to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. Each payment was accompanied by assurances that the distributorship agreement would be issued shortly and that product supply would commence soon after completion of formalities.
Continuous follow-ups, official-sounding emails and structured communication further strengthened the victim’s trust. Acting on these assurances, Jitendra Tiwari ultimately transferred a total of ₹23,53,000 to different bank accounts shared by the accused.
However, despite repeated commitments, neither any agreement was issued nor was any consignment dispatched. The situation raised the victim’s suspicion when the fraudsters demanded additional payments even after the substantial amount had already been deposited.
When the victim asked for a refund and sought clarity on the delay, the accused abruptly stopped responding. His calls went unanswered and within a short period, his mobile number was blocked. It was at this stage that the victim realised he had been systematically defrauded.
Subsequently, Jitendra Tiwari approached the cyber crime police station and lodged a formal complaint. The complaint includes details of mobile numbers used by the fraudsters, bank account information and email IDs involved in the transaction. Law enforcement agencies have initiated an investigation and are attempting to trace the accused through digital and financial trails.
Officials involved in the probe said bank transaction records and technical data are being examined to establish where the defrauded money was routed and to identify individuals linked to the accounts. Investigators are also analysing communication patterns to determine whether the fraud is part of a larger organised network targeting aspiring distributors and franchise seekers.
Cyber crime experts warn that scams involving fake distributorships and franchises are on the rise. Fraudsters often rely on cloned websites, deceptively similar email addresses and polished communication to win the confidence of victims. Experts advise prospective investors to verify company credentials thoroughly, cross-check authorised contact details from official websites and avoid making payments without in-person verification or legally vetted agreements.
The Ghaziabad case serves as a stark reminder that while digital platforms have expanded access to business opportunities, vigilance remains critical. A momentary lapse in verification and the lure of quick returns can result in significant financial losses with long-lasting consequences.
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.
