NEW DELHI — In a shocking development, thousands of people across the country have fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme involving the HIBox App, resulting in a scam worth an estimated Rs 100 crores. The app, which falsely promised users substantial profits, managed to deceive many people by leveraging the endorsements of popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav and actress Rhea Chakraborty, among other influencers.
The fraudulent operation centred around the HIBox App, which encouraged users to invest amounts ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 1 lakh. In return, users were promised a “box” containing goods purportedly worth more than their initial investment. However, these items were only valuable within the app’s ecosystem and could only be sold back within the platform, enticing users to invest more in the hope of making a profit. As the scam unfolded, many found themselves unable to withdraw their funds, with the app’s operators vanishing without a trace.
One of the victims, Virendra Kumar from Gokulpuri, recounted how he and his sons invested Rs 3 lakhs into the app in July, purchasing several boxes. They never received any actual goods or returns, leading to significant financial loss. Virendra’s complaint led to the filing of an FIR under Section 318(4) of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), prompting the Special Cell of the Delhi Police to launch an extensive investigation.
The police have already registered multiple cases related to the scam, with over 20 complaints filed so far. Authorities are particularly concerned about the role played by social media influencers and YouTubers in promoting the app. These individuals allegedly received large sums of money for endorsing the fraudulent platform, significantly contributing to its widespread reach. As part of the ongoing investigation, the police are preparing to summon these influencers, including Yadav and Chakraborty, for questioning.
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“The scam amount is estimated to be around Rs 100 crores, which may increase as more victims come forward,” said a source close to the investigation. The cybercrime unit has been inundated with complaints, underscoring the scale of the fraud.
This incident has reignited concerns among security agencies and the public about the dangers of online investment schemes, especially those that promise unusually high returns. The authorities are urging people to exercise caution and thoroughly research online platforms before investing, particularly those promoted by celebrities or social media figures. The public is also encouraged to report suspicious activities to the authorities via the helpline number 1930.
As the investigation continues, the case is a stark reminder of the need for greater vigilance in the digital age, where scams can proliferate rapidly through social media and online endorsements.