Palwal. An alleged fraud case has come to light in Haryana’s Hodal in which an Arti trader was allegedly duped of ₹84.54 lakh after being promised that his investment in foreign stock markets would grow tenfold within two years. Three people allegedly took the money in the name of investing in foreign gold and silver markets and later sent fake investment vouchers and receipts through WhatsApp to convince the victim that his money had been invested. According to the complaint, the accused also promised to help him purchase a plot in Dubai. When he demanded his money back, he was allegedly told that the funds were stuck in Dubai and was subsequently threatened. Hodal police have registered a case against a couple and their son on charges including cheating and launched an investigation.
The trader, a resident of Adarsh Colony in Hodal, told police that he runs a commission agency near Nanak Dairy Road. Some time ago, he met a young man from the same area at a gym. The two gradually became friends, following which the complainant was introduced to the young man’s parents.
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The three accused allegedly told the trader that they invested in foreign gold and silver stock markets and could generate returns of up to ten times the invested amount within two years. They allegedly explained the investment plans and projected returns to gain his confidence. The trader reportedly believed their claims and began arranging money for investment.
According to the complaint, the trader paid the accused a total of ₹84 lakh 54 thousand from his bank account and also borrowed money from relatives and his brothers. After receiving the money, the accused allegedly sent him investment-related vouchers and receipts through WhatsApp. These documents were allegedly used to make him believe that his money had been invested in the foreign market and that the investment was generating returns.
The complainant further alleged that the accused also continued promising to help him purchase a plot in Dubai. He kept expecting his principal amount and promised profits to be returned. However, when he demanded his principal and the alleged profits in January 2025, the accused allegedly told him that the money was stuck in Dubai and would take time to return.
According to the complaint, the trader subsequently continued pressing the accused to return his money. He alleged that he was then threatened and told that the accused had links with powerful criminals. The complaint also mentions an alleged threat to kill him. The victim subsequently approached the police and reported the matter.
The complaint further alleges that some other people were also involved in the alleged fraud and had similarly cheated several others. Police are examining these allegations as part of the investigation. Investigators are trying to establish which accounts received the ₹84.54 lakh, how the money was used and whether the claims regarding foreign investments and a Dubai plot had any basis.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that promises of unusually high returns from foreign stock markets, gold and silver investments or international investment schemes should be treated as a serious warning sign. Before investing, investors should independently verify the company, regulatory registration, bank accounts and investment platform. Investment vouchers, receipts or profits displayed through WhatsApp should not be treated as proof of a genuine investment unless independently verified.
Police said bank transaction records, WhatsApp chats, alleged investment documents and records related to the transfer of funds are being collected. Investigators will question the accused and examine whether the money was routed to a larger organised network. Further action will be taken on the basis of evidence and facts established during the investigation.
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.
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