How a Social Media Tip Turned into a ₹45 Lakh Online Fraud

The Inter-State Cell of Delhi Police has arrested four people for running an online investment scam that cheated a victim of over Rs 45 lakh using fake trading apps, social media platforms, and mule bank accounts.

According to officials, the case came to light after a victim complained that he had been cheated of  Rs 45,25,100 on the pretext of investing in the stock market with promises of unusually high returns. The accused initially contacted the complainant through Twitter (X) and WhatsApp groups. They convinced him to install a fake trading application on his mobile phone, which appeared to show profits and rising account balances.

Over nearly one month, the victim was persuaded to transfer money in 15 separate transactions into eight different bank accounts. When he later tried to withdraw his invested amount and promised profits, the WhatsApp group and Twitter account became inactive, and the application stopped working.

Realising he had been cheated, the victim approached the police, following which a case was registered under Sections 318(4)/319/61(2)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

How Did Delhi Police Trace the Money and Arrest the Accused?

After registering the case, the Crime Branch launched a detailed investigation. Bank account statements and transaction records were collected, which revealed that the defrauded money had been routed through multiple mule accounts and layered to hide its origin before being siphoned off.

Investigators found that Rs 4,00,000 from the cheated amount had been credited to the account of Renu Garg, a resident of Zirakpur in Punjab. Based on technical surveillance, financial trail analysis, and criminal intelligence, police carried out raids in Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

During questioning, Renu Garg revealed that the account was operated by her son, Rishu Garg. He was subsequently arrested. Rishu Garg admitted that in September-October 2025, he had shared his net banking ID and password with Deepak Joon, also known as Vikas, in return for Rs 25,000. He had also increased the account’s transaction limit to Rs 1 crore.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Amit Giri, who admitted to facilitating bank account arrangements and receiving commissions. A fake SIM card was recovered from him. Deepak Joon alias Vikas was arrested from Connaught Place with his mobile phone and another fake SIM card. Sunil Kumar alias Yash was arrested from Greater Noida.

During interrogation, Sunil revealed that he was in contact with a handler named “Max” through Telegram, who coordinated mule accounts, logistics, and OTP-based activation of banking and digital services.

Several mobile phones and SIM cards used in the crime were seized during the operation.

How Did the Scam Network Operate Across States?

Police said the syndicate had created a network of associates spread across multiple states. These associates procured mule bank accounts in exchange for commission and obtained SIM cards linked to those accounts to maintain operational control.

The accused created fake WhatsApp groups and Twitter handles to present themselves as stock market experts. They circulated fabricated screenshots of profits and fake testimonials to gain the trust of potential victims.

Once victims installed the bogus trading application, manipulated balances and fictitious gains were displayed to encourage them to invest more money. As long as victims kept transferring funds, communication continued. When withdrawal requests were made, the accused terminated contact and shut down the application.

Officials said this systematic approach allowed the syndicate to cheat multiple people while concealing their identities and financial trails.

Why the case highlights growing online investment risks

The case underscores how fraudsters are increasingly using social media platforms, fake mobile applications, and mule accounts to target unsuspecting investors.

By combining psychological manipulation, false profit displays, and coordinated financial routing, such syndicates create an illusion of legitimacy. Police have warned that offers promising exceptionally high and guaranteed returns are often indicators of fraud.

The Delhi Police have urged citizens to verify investment platforms, avoid sharing personal banking credentials, and report suspicious online activities promptly to prevent financial losses.

(With inputs from ANI)