New Delhi: Delhi Police has registered two FIRs in separate alleged online investment fraud cases involving losses of more than Rs 1.2 crore, with the complainants claiming they were lured by promises of high returns through stock-trading platforms, IPO investments and advisory services.In the first case, a west Delhi resident alleged being cheated of Rs 64.4 lakh after joining a WhatsApp group that promoted an online stock-trading scheme. According to the complaint, the trading application initially reflected gains, prompting the investor to transfer money in multiple instalments to bank accounts provided by individuals posing as company representatives and financial consultants.The complainant alleged that the platform eventually showed investments worth around Rs 5.5 crore. However, when a withdrawal was sought on Aug 5, the alleged representatives demanded Rs 66 lakh as service charges. After the complainant expressed inability to pay, they allegedly sought another Rs 10 lakh to facilitate a partial withdrawal. The amount was reportedly paid on Aug 29.The complainant further alleged that when another withdrawal request was made on Sept 1, an additional demand of Rs 23 lakh was raised. Suspecting fraud after repeated demands for payments, the investor approached police.In the second case, a Rohini resident alleged losing around Rs 57 lakh through an online investment platform promoted via social media groups.According to the complaint, individuals posing as investment experts encouraged investors to participate in IPOs, pre-market trading and specialised trading accounts. The platform allegedly displayed daily returns of 3% to 10%, while one IPO investment was projected to generate returns of over 350%.The complainant claimed that after the platform showed profits exceeding 300%, access to the account was blocked when a withdrawal was attempted. Thereafter, additional payments were allegedly sought under various heads, including margin money, taxes, commissions and account-closure charges.Despite making repeated payments, the complainant alleged that the funds were never released.Police have registered separate cases and launched investigations into both alleged frauds.
