A US-based Keralam NRI was allegedly duped through a fake forex platform. Delayed reporting has complicated efforts to trace and freeze the recipient accounts.A US-based Keralam NRI was allegedly duped through a fake forex platform. (Representative image)Kochi,Nov 12, 2026 12:02 ISTA 41-year-old non-resident Indian from Kunnathunadu allegedly lost more than Rs 2.11 crore after fraudsters lured him into investing through a fake online foreign exchange trading platform, police said on Thursday.The Ernakulam Rural Cyber Crime Police registered a case on Wednesday against unidentified people following a complaint filed by the victim's friend.
The victim currently lives in the US, and police are trying to trace and freeze the bank accounts to which the money was transferred.According to police, the victim found a website link for 'Handtec Markets' online, following which he was added to a Telegram group. The accused later sent him another link, claiming it belonged to 'Handtec Markets Global LTD', but it redirected him to a fake foreign exchange trading website.The fraudsters allegedly guided him through Telegram and asked him to log in using credentials provided by them.
Since October 2025, he has transferred money from his bank accounts to several accounts specified by the accused. Police said the victim invested a total of Rs 2,11,35,077 through the fake platform.
The fraud came to light when he recently tried to withdraw the money, but neither the principal amount nor the promised profits were returned.A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Police said the fraud was reported after a delay, but efforts are under way to track and freeze the accounts that received the money. - Ends