Fraudsters Tried to Implicate Victim in Fake Suicide Case; FIR Filed Against Seven
Ghaziabad – In a startling case that underscores the growing threat to digital content creators, a YouTuber from Ghaziabad was allegedly conned of ₹10.50 lakh by cybercriminals who promised to monetise his channel and increase views and subscribers. When the victim demanded his money back, the accused allegedly used intimidation tactics — including threats to frame him in a false suicide case.
The Cyber Crime Police Station has registered a case against seven unknown individuals on the basis of a detailed complaint submitted by the victim.
Offer on Telegram — Small Payment Opened the Door to a Major Fraud
The complainant, Mayank Garg, a YouTuber and resident of Kavinagar, told the police that on August 19, he came across a promotional message on Telegram. The advertisement claimed to provide “complete assistance” in monetising YouTube channels and ensuring rapid growth in subscribers and watch hours.
After he reached out, he was contacted by a woman identifying herself as Pari Rathore. Presenting herself as part of a social media promotion firm, she assured him that his channel would be monetised “within days” upon completing a small onboarding payment.
She initially demanded just ₹700. Believing the offer to be genuine, Mayank sent the amount. However, the moment this transaction succeeded, the fraudsters repeatedly demanded more money under various technical pretexts.
₹10.50 Lakh Paid Over One Month — Refund Promise Turned Trap
According to the FIR, between August 19 and September 14, the accused coerced Mayank into transferring a total of ₹10,50,000 through multiple transactions to different bank accounts.
They kept assuring him that all money — along with bonuses and incentives — would be refunded once monetisation was completed. But the situation took a serious turn when Mayank stopped making further payments and requested a refund.
Threat Calls Begin — “She Killed Herself, and You Are Responsible”
Mayank stated that days later, he received a threatening call from a man introducing himself as Sunny Rathore, claiming to be Pari’s brother and the son of an IPS officer.
In a dramatic twist, Sunny claimed that Pari had died by suicide and had named Mayank in her final note. He warned him that non-cooperation could lead to his arrest on serious charges.
The harassment escalated when another man, identifying himself as Ajay Rajeshwar, phoned the victim and alleged that Sunny and his female friend were also dead. He claimed that police were “monitoring Mayank closely” and hinted that “paying a hefty sum” could suppress the case.
Feeling mentally harassed and alarmed at the extortion attempts, Mayank finally approached the police.
Investigation Underway — Bank Accounts Traced and Freezing Orders Issued
Police have gathered the details of seven mobile numbers and several bank accounts used in the transactions. Officials said the accounts have been traced and initiated for freezing to prevent further misuse.
DCP Crime confirmed that two specialised teams have been assigned to the investigation and the arrest of the accused is expected soon.
Police Advisory: Stay Alert Against Monetisation Scams
Authorities have urged YouTubers, influencers and online professionals to remain vigilant:
- Do not trust unknown agents for channel monetisation services
- Use only verified YouTube support channels and authorised service providers
- Avoid transferring money to unverified accounts
- Report any suspicious requests or threats to the Cyber Crime Police immediately
