JALANDHAR, Dec 26 — Shahkot police have registered a case of alleged cyber investment fraud involving more than Rs 12 lakh after a local resident claimed he was cheated through an online investment application, officials said.
The complaint was filed by Amritpal Singh, a resident of Jain Colony in Shahkot, who alleged that unidentified individuals induced him to invest money through an app called Neo Wealth starting Oct. 13.
According to police, Singh initially deposited about Rs 7.5 lakh through the platform. The app later showed a purported profit of Rs 82.36 lakh, creating the impression of substantial returns.
When Singh attempted to withdraw the amount, he was allegedly asked to deposit additional money toward service tax and other charges, police said. Believing the request to be genuine, he transferred another Rs 4.67 lakh.
“After repeated demands for more money, the complainant realised he had been cheated,” a police official said.
Singh approached the police on Nov. 26 seeking action. After a preliminary inquiry, a case was registered against unidentified persons, and an investigation is underway.
Police said efforts are being made to trace the digital trail, identify those involved and recover the defrauded amount.
Authorities have urged people to be cautious while investing online and to verify the authenticity of digital investment platforms before transferring money.
