Suratgarh Publisher Defrauded Of Lakhs Via Fake Bulk Book Orders

Suratgarh, Rajasthan: Police in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district have launched an investigation after a publishing distributor in Suratgarh was allegedly cheated of ₹9.5 lakh through a fraudulent bulk book order placed by individuals posing as representatives of educational institutions.

Investigators believe the suspects used forged documents, fake payment confirmations, and false corporate identities to obtain a large consignment of books without making any legitimate payment.

Fraudsters Used Fake Institutional Purchase Orders

According to the complaint, the accused approached the publisher claiming to be authorized procurement officials for reputed educational organizations. They allegedly submitted professional-looking purchase orders and maintained regular communication to gain the distributor’s confidence.

The suspects emphasized the urgency of the order, citing academic deadlines, and requested immediate dispatch of textbooks and reference materials. Trusting the authenticity of the documents and the buyer’s claimed credentials, the distributor released the consignment before receiving payment.

Fake Payment Proof Delayed Detection

To support the deception, the fraudsters allegedly shared fabricated bank transaction screenshots and counterfeit RTGS payment confirmations through messaging applications, creating the impression that the funds had already been transferred.

However, during a routine financial reconciliation, the publisher discovered that no payment had been credited to the company’s bank accounts.

Further inquiries revealed that the books had already been delivered and removed from the original destination. By the time the fraud was uncovered, the suspects had reportedly switched off their mobile phones, cut off communication, and shut down the fake digital platforms used during the transaction.

Police Probe Financial and Digital Evidence

Following the complaint, Suratgarh Police registered an FIR under relevant sections related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery involving electronic records.

Investigators are now examining digital evidence, including bank transaction records, mobile phone data, internet logs, and domain registration details, to identify those behind the fraud. Authorities are also working with telecom companies and financial institutions to trace the movement of the suspects and recover any possible evidence.

Businesses Urged to Strengthen Verification Procedures

The incident has prompted trade organizations and business associations to advise wholesalers and distributors to adopt stricter verification measures for high-value commercial transactions.

Industry experts recommend verifying buyer credentials directly with organizations, confirming receipt of funds through official banking channels rather than relying on payment screenshots, and avoiding the dispatch of goods until payments are fully credited.

Authorities say implementing stronger financial verification procedures can significantly reduce the risk of procurement fraud and protect businesses from similar scams in the future.